IOA keen on hosting four major events till 2032
NEW DELHI: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Saturday announced they will submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to host four major events, including the 2032 Olympic Games, but president Narinder Batra stressed that India should win more medals in order to be taken seriously in their bid.
IOA will also submit Eois for 2021 IOC Congress, 2026 Youth Olympic Games and 2030 Asian Games. It also reviewed India’s performance at Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and constituted committees to redress issues plaguing the national sports federations (NSFS).
The IOA also announced a list of 2,370 members registered for the Asian Games in Indonesia from Aug 18-Sept 2. Of these 1,938 are athletes, 399 officials, eight IOA staffers, seven sports ministry officials and 18 Sports Authority of India functionaries. However, this will be pruned down drastically by June 30.
Four years back, India had sent 680 members, including 516 athletes, to the Incheon Asian Games. “From EOI for hosting global events to announcing new committees and commissions, it’s all formally plotted in our future roadmap,” said Batra. “The list for Asian Games has also been submitted to organising committee. We will shortlist the contingent at the conclusion of final selections by federations.”
IOA also shared the qualification criteria for various sports disciplines. It also announced the constitution of a sub-committee – the Commonwealth Games Association of India --- within the IOA.
CONFUSION OVER NATIONAL GAMES
Confusion looms over the hosting of the 36th National Games, originally scheduled in Goa in November. The hosts want the Games to be postponed to February 2019 due to delays in building necessary infrastructure. “We want to hold it this year but the hosts now want it in Feb 2019,” said Batra.
Batra said a few disciplines could be moved out of Goa as the venues are unlikely to be ready in time. Shooting and cycling (New Delhi), kayaking and canoeing (Kerala) are among disciplines that could be moved out.