IOA writes to Central & Delhi govts on 2019 Asian Games bid

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) today began the process of seeking government approval, required to mount a bid for hosting the 2019 Asian Games by writing to the Sports Ministry and Delhi Lieutenant Governor.
The Olympic Council of Asia had asked the IOA to furnish several bid documents, including approval from the Cabinet and the Delhi government, so that the country can complete the bidding process before July 1 deadline.
"Myself and Secretary General (Rajeev Mehta) today wrote to Sports Ministry and Delhi government requesting for the governments' considered views on the Asian Games bid. Once the IOA receives the government's response, we will take up the issue further with the OCA," IOA President N Ramachandran told PTI today.

Mehta said that the ball is now in the government's court as it will have the final say on the hosting of the Games.
"The IOA wants to host the Asian Games. But we can't do anything without the government's approval. The funding will have to come from the government. So the ball is now in the government's court," Mehta said.
"Today, both I and IOA president sent letters by hand to Sports Minister and Delhi Lt. Governor, stating the various assurances and approvals required for a complete bid as have been mentioned in the letter from the OCA.
"The replies to the letters may even reach us tomorrow itself. Both me and my president will also meet the sports minister in Kerala on June 26, where he will attend an event to announce the schedule of National Games," said Mehta.