AFI secy reiterates India's reluctant bid for Asian championship

Guwahati, Jun 22 (UNI) India today reiterated its bid for the Asian Athletic Championship, albeit reluctantly, after Beirut pleaded inability to host the event due to the conflict situation in the country.

Athletic Federation of India (AFI) secretary Lalit Bhanot said here, '' India is not keen but we are bidding because we do not want the event to be delayed. '' He informed that the revised venue would be announced in a couple of days and the dates for the championship could remain unchanged.

The Lebanese capital of Beirut was the original host for the Asian championships, slated for July 29 to August 2, but pulled out in the first half of this month, citing prevailing security tensions in the country.

Syria and China are the other contenders for hosting the championship, along with India.

Mr Bhanot said India could host the championship as per the original schedule, adding, '' India is a serious contender and we will know which country wins the bid in a couple of days. '' The AFI secretary is here as the city is hosting the second leg of the Asian Grand Prix tomorrow.

Guwahati was selected for the second leg after Beirut, the original choice, had to pull out due to the prevailing war-like situation in the country.

The first leg was Bangkok, while the third and final leg of the Asian Grand Prix would be hosted by Pune in India.

UNI