By Duncan Mackay

The Indian Olympic Association has asked for an extension for its bid for New Delhi to replace Hanoi as host of the 2019 Asian Games ©AFP/Getty ImagesIndia has asked for a 15-day extension to submit its bid for the 2019 Asian Games after missing yesterday's deadline.


The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) are still in discussions with the Government after revealing last month that they plan to put forward New Delhi as a replacement for Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital who withdrew because of financial pressures.

It meant they missed yesterday's July 1 deadline set by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and have now appealed for more time. 

India's Sports Secretary Ajit Sharan has requested the IOA provide a detailed budget before the Government will consider the bid. 

The main concerns centre around the building of a new Village to house the 10,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries expected to attend the Games. 

"The [Sports] Ministry has not given us the permission yet; neither have they denied it," said IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta.

"They have asked for further details and we'll need another five days to satisfy all queries from the Government.

"The deadline set by the OCA ended on Tuesday and we won't be able to submit our bid in time since we haven't got all the necessary permissions.

"We began the procedure late so it was always going to be tough to meet the deadline.

"However, we had given a hint to the OCA before and are hopeful they'll give us an extension."

Facilities used for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, would be used if New Delhi is chosen to host the 2019 Asian Games but were need some renovation ©WikipediaFacilities used for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, would be used if New Delhi is chosen to host the 2019 Asian Games but would need a lot of renovation work, the Indian Olympic Association have warned ©Wikipedia

In its proposal, the IOA has said they will need to construct just two more indoor stadiums and use the rest of the infrastructure that was built for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

But those stadiums will need massive renovation work, it is claimed.

Indonesia is tipped as favourites to replace Hanoi with the OCA is due to choose a new host city on September 20 during the next edition of the Asian Games in Incheon.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
June 2014: New Delhi to bid for 2019 Asian Games after Indian Olympic Association officially confirm interest
June 2014: IOA President contradicts own secretary general that India plans bid for 2019 Asian Games
June 2014: Asian Games could be moved to 2018 to help attract replacement after Hanoi withdrawal
May 2014: Indonesia remain favourites to host 2019 Asian Games despite interest from India
May 2014: Indonesia set to announce readiness to replace Hanoi as host of 2019 Asian Games