A day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated that the national capital will bid for the 2048 Olympics, India Olympic Association president Narinder Batra on Wednesday said that while it’s a welcome step, the CM should have discussed it with the IOA first.
“It’s a welcome step if they’re thinking of it, but at the same time, Arvind Kejriwal should have been in discussion with IOA first. They can send an expression of interest but bidding is a very different process,” Batra told ANI.
Batra added that Delhi can’t stage the quadrennial event alone and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Complex in Motera, Ahmedabad has the best facilities to host the opening and closing ceremonies.
“I will say it’s a welcome move but Delhi alone can’t stage the Olympics. Multiple cities have to be involved, there are many things involved behind any competition.
“In my point of view, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Complex in Motera is the best option for opening and closing ceremony of Olympics as of now,” he said, before adding that he feels India can host the Olympics before 2048.
On Tuesday, after Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia presented the budget for 2021-22, Kejriwal said that Delhi will bid for the Olympics in 2048 as a vision has been provided for the same in the budget.
““A vision has been provided in the budget that 2048 Olympic games should be held in Delhi. Delhi will bid for the 2048 Olympics. We will take up whatever infrastructure and other necessities that are needed to be created for it,” Kejriwal said.
Sisodia presented a budget worth Rs 69,000 crore for 2021-22 on Tuesday, calling it a ‘Deshbhakti Budget’ in keeping with the celebration of the 75th year of India’s independence. He further said that the Aam Aadmi Party-led government aims to increase the per capita income of the national capital to Singapore’s level by 2047.
