The two capital cities were the only contenders to put themselves forward before this week’s application deadline imposed by the Pan American Games Organization (PASO).

Buenos Aires, host of the 2013 International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session at which Tokyo was awarded the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and Thomas Bach was elected IOC President, is also the location for next year’s Summer Youth Olympic Games.

The Argentinian city also hosted the inaugural edition of the Pan American Games in 1951.

Santiago is a less experienced sporting host which bid unsuccessfully for the 2019 edition eventually awarded to Lima in Peru.

Both Argentine Olympic Committee President Gerardo Werthein and Chilean Olympic Committee counterpart Neven Ilic claimed their respective bids enjoy strong Government support.

Ilic, also one of five candidates vying to replace Julio Maglione as PASO President in April, emphasised how the Games can supposedly benefit sport in the host nation.

"We are very happy with Chile’s candidacy for Pan American Games 2023, which would not have been done without our Government’s support," he told insidethegames.

"As you must know, the chance of being the host of these Games enables us to develop in a deeper way our sports, especially because nowadays our resources are mainly focused on top performance athletes, making it very hard to prepare our next generation.

"Most of those who will compete at these Games are currently aged between 18 and 20.

"This allows us not only to make a real and concrete projection of our future athletes but also to focus Chile’s efforts into one clear goal: have an excellent performance in the 2023 Pan American Games."

Werthein, a member of the IOC, focused more on how they will build on the facilities and experience gleaned from Buenos Aires 2018.

"It is an exciting project which will be both sustainable and affordable," he told insidethegames.

"We already have all the plans and infrastructure in place due to Buenos Aires hosting the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games.

"We don’t have anything to build and we would also use much of the same Organising Committee team and personnel."

Werthein outlined how the bid already enjoys strong support from Argentine President Mauricio Macri, who previously served as Chief of Government in Buenos Aires.

"It will have no negative impact on the country, citizens or budget," he added.

Both cities must now complete their applications by April 30, by providing required information and paying a deposit to PASO.

A host city will be selected at the PASO Ordinary General Assembly set for Lima at a yet-to-be-determined point later this year.