NEW DELHI: India is not prepared to host the 2024 Olympics, International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said so after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
Bach, who was elected to the top post in 2013, was in Delhi for a one-day visit for the first time. Speculation was rife on the eve of his visit that PM Modi may propose to hold the event in India, probably in Ahmedabad, during a meeting with him on Monday.
He said the Indian Olympic Association was under suspension till last year and it would be too soon to host a successful Games. Bach said even he was surprised by the speculation in the media that India may bid for the 2024 Olympics.
Bach clarified that he checked it with the Prime Minister, who said the country would rather host the Olympics “after full preparation and after having expertise”.
“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.
“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)
