After CWG, India now target 2019 Asian Games

After the Commonwealth Games, the Indian Olympic Association has already started looking beyond the October 3-14 event. The IOA has written to the Sports Ministry, seeking permission to bid for the 2019 Asian Games.

“We are interested in hosting the 2019 Asian Games in Delhi. We have written to Sports Ministry, who have asked for a few clarifications. We will be replying shortly,” said Lalit Bhanot, joint secretary of the IOA.

With Sports Minister MS Gill and IOA chairman Suresh Kalmadi at loggerheads, there are fears it could be a replay of 2007, when Delhi lost out to Incheon for rights to stage the 2014 edition.

Gill’s predecessor Mani Shankar Aiyar had made his displeasure clear over India hosting big-ticket events just before the voting. That had led to Kalmadi blaming Aiyar for Delhi’s failure. This time, the IOA has requested Rs 15 crores for the bid.