India Not in Race to Host 2024 Olympics, Confirms IOC President Thomas Bach
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said he was surprised by the speculations of India bidding to host the Olympics in 2024.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach expressed "surprise" at media reports that India may bid for 2024 Olympics saying that it's too early for India to host Games.
"We were aware of the speculation (about India's possible bid for 2024 Games). We were a bit surprised about this speculation because we thought it may be too quick for India to host a successful Olympic Games. I am happy that India has come out of suspension last year but the IOA has to find its feet," Bach said.
"For now India needs to build its athletes, find unity among themselves so that you can field a strong team at the Rio Olympics," he said.
After holding talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid growing expectations that India may make its first bid to host the Olympic Games, Bach said doors are always open for India.
"So, we checked with the Prime Minister (regarding the possible bid) and he said he wants to be well prepared and have expertise before doing that. He (the PM) also considered that launching a successful bid for 2024 (before deadline of September 15) may be difficult," Bach said
"But both the IOC and PM will be in contact about this in the future," he said.
A tripartite agreement is signed between Government of India, IOC and IOA for the development of Indian sports.
"IOC wants to support sports in India very much. This is a good day for Indian sports and Indian sportspersons," said the 1976 Montreal Games gold medallist. He won the top honours in Men's Team Foil Fencing event.
Bach also congratulated the Indian Olympic Association on the reversal of a ban last year. The IOC had suspended India for electing officials accused of corruption in 2012, in breach of the Olympic charter.
Despite being the world's second most populous nation, India has a poor record in Olympic competition.
Shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won gold in 2008 in the 10-metre air rifle event, remains the country's only individual champion, while the last of India's eight field hockey titles came back in 1980.
(With Inputs from Suprita Das)