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Sports Secretary Ajit Sharan confirmed today that India and the International Olympic Council (IOC) have initiated talks, regarding a prospective 2024 Olympics bid. The city of choice is set to be Ahmedabad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet IOC President Thomas Bach on April 27, to discuss the bidding process.
Although India has never hosted the Olympics, the IOC is keen on expanding its roots to a population of 1.2 billion, Bach said, “How can we ignore a country of 1.2 billion people?”
He added, “IOC is much more flexible and understanding now in considering venues, and is happy to have talks with Indian officials and stakeholders here during his visit."
India’s previous major event was the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which was surrounded by controversy, due to corruption allegations. The allegations proved to be right as CWG chief organiser, Suresh Kalmadi was removed from his post.
With Ahmedabad being touted as the host city, the future of India as a sporting super-power doesn’t seem too far off.
