Saif Saaeed Shaheen, world record holder in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, has been forced to withdraw from the Asian Games due to an Achilles tendon injury.

The 24-year-old Shaheen, born in Kenya but who has won two world championship titles for Qatar, was planning to run in the steeplechase and 5,000 meters at Doha.

"Despite intensive treatment in Kenya and in Europe he will not be able to run," his manager, Ricky Simms, said in a statement posted on the international athletics federation's Web site. "He will now focus on getting healthy and hopes to be back in top shape for the IAAF World Cross-Country Championships in March."

Ahmad Ali Al-Mawlawi, chef de mission of the Qatar team at the Asian Games, said he had had not been informed of Shaheen's withdrawal.