Snubbed Delhi aims for 2020 Olympic Games

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The 2014 Asian Games' snub was hardly a deterrent as IOA went a step further today by announcing that the Indian capital would bid for the right to host 2020 Olympic Games.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi clarified that New Delhi was not in the hunt for the 2016 edition, the bid for which closes in May, but would like to stage the showpiece extravaganza four years thence.

''I would like to inform you all that New Delhi will bid for the 2020 Olympic Games,'' Mr Kalmadi said during the inauguration of 'Olympic Bhawan' here.

He said India's loss to Incheon for the rights to host Asian Games prompted the Capital not to go for 2016 Olympic Games. Mr Kalmadi said the country will have excellent infrastructure in place, thanks to 2010 Commonwealth Games, by the time the bid opens in 2011. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will decide the winner in 2013.

''We will start our preparations as soon as the 2010 Commonwealth Games are over," he said and added that there was no knowledge about who could be their probable competitors,'' he said.

It would be second time New Delhi would try its luck for the biggest sporting event on the planet. Back in 1986, the Capital had staked its claim for the 1992 edition of the Games but withdrew it subsequently as Barcelona went on to win the rights.

Chicago, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro are the front runners to host the Olympics in 2016.

UNI