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Bangalore to bid for 2006 Asiad

C N R Vijaykumar in Bangkok

The Indian Olympic Association is unaware of any bid by the Government of Karnataka to host the 2006 Asian Games.

"It is news to me," IOA president Suresh Kalmadi, MP, said when asked about reports that the Karnataka Sports Minister N Saloni would present a detailed plan to this effect before the Olympic Council of Asia.

Saloni had told reporters on Wednesday that he would be going to Bangkok to bid on behalf of the city for the 2006 Asiad.

Pusan in South Korea is hosting the 14th Asian Games in 2002.

An amused Kalmadi said the IOA had not given thought to the idea of Karnataka bidding for the 15th Asiad.

"We have a lot of time," he quipped when asked whether India is in the running for the Games.

Bangalore built a lot of infrastructure when it hosted the National Games two years ago. But IOA officials say that might not be enough to host the Games.

The Government of Thailand built up vast infrastructure for the Games despite the country's economic turmoil. The infamous traffic snarls of Bangkok disappeared once the new expressways and highways became operational ahead of the Games.

Pusan is building a new main stadium to accommodate 80,000 spectators. Since more than 15,000 athletes and officials are expected to participate, Pusan City authorities are constructing a Games village for 17,000.

Kalmadi said the IOA has not decided to sell the marketing rights for the Afro-Asian Games, to be held in New Delhi next year.

"We will decide shortly," he said when asked whether ISL, which is marketing the Asian Games in Bangkok, has been awarded the contract.

UNI