With Jordan and Vietnam reportedly withdrawing from the race and backing India's claim, Delhi is almost certain to bag the bid for the 2014 Asian Games, IOA President Suresh Kalmadi said in New Delhi on Monday.
"All other bidders have decided to support our bid and stepped out of the race. It leaves us with Korea in the fray but they have hosted the 2002 Games in Busan and so we are almost certain to win the bid," said the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief while addressing an Australia-India Sports Forum.
Earlier, North and South Korea had submitted a preliminary joint bid for the 2014 Asian Games with Incheon and Pyongyang the candidate cities. Besides, Jordan and Vietnam also filed the letter of intent before the March 31 deadline set by the Olympic Council of Asia.
Doha will host the 2006 Asian Games, while Guangzhou, China, would host the 2010 edition.
Admitting India's huge market was one of the main reasons behind garnering the support, Mr Kalmadi said, "if we can successfully host the Asian Games, that would be going one more step closer to fulfilling our dream of hosting the Olympic Games."
Regarding hosting 2016 Olympics too, Mr Kalmadi sounded optimistic.
''It is good for India that the 2012 edition of the Olympic Games has been awarded to London which ruled Europe out in 2016. Besides, we have been able to convince South Africa to defer their bid till 2020,'' he added.
- UNI
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