India's chances of hosting 2019 Asian Games bleak

An Indian Olympic Association (IOA) delegation, headed by president N. Ramachandran, Thursday met newly-appointed Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal here but nothing could be finalised on hosting the 2019 Asian Games, the bid deadline for which ends July 1.

IOA vice-president Virendra Nanavati, who was part of the delegation, told IANS that there was no discussion on bidding for the Asian Games since the IOA itself is yet to take a stand on hosting the mega event, especially after the 2010 Commonwealth Games scam.

"We discussed with the sports minister how athletes are preparing for the Commonwealth and the Asian Games. The minister has assured us full support for training the athletes for both the big events. However, there was no discussion on India hosting the Asian Games in 2019," Nanavati told IANS.

Nanavati also admitted that India's chances of bidding for the Asian Games look bleak due to the lengthy process in the IOA itself. India hosted the inaugural Asian Games in 1951 and then in 1982.

"First we have to bring in a resolution and then pass it in an executive committee. And to call an executive committee you have to give an advance notice of 15 days," said Nanavati.

Earlier this week, Sonowal had assured the IOA full support if they come up with a bid for the 2019 Asian Games despite Ramachandran's claims that the IOA hasn't discussed anything on hosting the Asian Games for the third time.

India had in 2007 lost the bid for hosting this year's Asian Games to Incheon, South Korea.

The 2019 Asian Games were originally awarded to Vietnam, who earlier this year pulled out as the host citing financial constraints. Indonesia had offered to host the Games. In fact, in November 2012, the Vietnamese capital city of Hanoi beat Surabaya, Indonesia's second largest city, in the race to host the Asian Games.