New Delhi can host Olympics in 2020: Rogge

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The Capital may not be deemed good enough to play host for 2014 Asian Games but IOC president Dr Jacques Rogge believes New Delhi has every chance to actually stage the Olympics in 2020.

India today announced its intentions to organise the mega event in 2020 with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh himself assuring the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president of the country's commitment towards sports.

''You be ready for it (Olympics),'' Dr Rogge told reporters here.

''Hosting Olympics is not always about logistics and other technicalities. It is also about confidence and unity. The bid (for 2020 Games) will be awarded in 2013. You have six years at your disposal. The fact that you would have hosted a successful event (Commonwealth Games) will surely help the cause,'' he said.

Dr Rogge said on its part, IOC would provide all logistical support to India in its quest to be a ''sporting tiger''.

''We have a lot of expectations from India and we think India have great potential in sports. You have a young population of 70 per cent under 25, good infrastructure and the benefit of past experiences in organising the Games.

''You are also going to organise the 2010 Commonwealth Games and World Military Games and maybe even hockey World Cup to become a sporting tiger,'' he said and added: ''It is a matter of will and organisation and we are going to support India in its training, expertise and, also, financial resources.'' However, referring to the recent IOA-Mani Shanker Aiyar standoff, that reportedly undermined New Delhi's Asian Games bid, Dr Rogge cautioned that lack of coordination between govenment and sports organisations may hamper India's chances.

''There cannot be a good game without strong cooperation between the government and sporting organisations. You need to unite all the forces in the country,'' he said and added: '' I am impressed to see your Prime Minister is so committed to sports.'' He rejected the claims that the sporing extravangaza were a financial burden on the host nation.

''It (Games) is not just about two week of competition and 10,000-odd athletes, but also about improving living conditions.

''Take the example of Barcelona. The 1992 Games have changed the city with new roads, airport and other amenities. Sydney (2000), Athens (2004), Beijing (2008) all have got major facelift,''he said and added that organising a mega event would be great boost for the country.

''It is for the prestige of organisation that all governments try to do their best. Sport is a force for good in every country,'' he said.

On the criteria to award the bid, Rogge clarified that money was the last factor and horse trading was not a part of IOC culture.

Referring to Incheon reportedly wooing the OCA members by 20 million dollar for Asian Games bid, Rogge said he would ask the Olympic Council of Asia to check such practices.

''OCA is an autonomous body and IOC has no control over it but in principle bidding process should not be an auction with the hosting rights going to the highest bidder. I am sure OCA will reflect and take necessary measures in this field.

''At IOC, money has no role to play, we go for the best bid which factors in everything. We must understand that it's a bid and not an auction,'' he said.

UNI