Report: Israeli windsurfers denied visas to go to Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) The Malaysian government said it has accepted the withdrawal of two Israeli windsurfers from the ISAF world youth sailing championships.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told the Malay Mail Online website that Malaysia, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, ''is guided by the existing policy of the Malaysian government.''

In Jerusalem, the Israel Sailing Association said windsurfers Yoav Omer and Noy Drihan and coach Meir Yaniv would not attend the event that begins Sunday at Langkawi because they had not received visas.

Amir Gill, chairman of the Israel association, also told local media that Malaysia had placed ''unacceptable'' demands by forbidding athletes from carrying their country's flag or wearing any symbol on their attire and surfboards that showed their country of origin.