AKIPRESS.COM - Alcohol stores have been closed down and alcoholic products taken off the shelves of shops in Ashgabat ahead of a major international athletics competition next month, AP reported.

Merchants at several stores said authorities had ordered alcohol sales be halted until October, after the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games conclude.

The competition in Ashgabat takes place between September 17 and 27.

There has been no announcement from the government of a ban. Traders who raised their concerns wished to remain anonymous, AP reported.