Delhi stands strong chance to get host status for 2014 ASIAD

New Delhi, Feb 21 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said the capital city stood a strong chance to get the host status for ASIAD 2014.

Speaking after a high level meeting convened at Delhi Secretariat to decide on the strategy to make a successful bid for hosting Asiad 2014, Ms Dikshit said Delhi would present a forceful bid at a meeting of the Olympic Council for Asia (OCA) at Kuwait on April 16 and 17.

Ms Dikshit presided over the meeting, which was attended by Union Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed, Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi, Rajya Sabha MP Digvijay Singh, Delhi Finance Minister A K Walia, Chief Secretary Ramesh Narayanswami and senior officers of the Delhi Government and Union Ministries.

Mr Kalmadi, while disclosing that South Korea is also making a bid for hosting the 2014 Asiad, said IOA would be making a strong case for which full preparation is required. A presentation is also being prepared to showcase Delhi as a better host city. The presentation would be anchored by noted actor Kabir Bedi. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would also be requested to give a message for inclusion in the presentation.

It was reported in the meeting that Delhi is getting support from a number of Asian countries. An itinerary of visits of officials of IOA and Ministry of External Affairs has been prepared for garnering support of Asian countries, which would prove to be crucial in deciding the issue in favour of Delhi.

Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Sports gave assurance of all possible assistance in gaining the required support.

Ms Dikshit has instructed Secretary Education and Culture in the Delhi Government to coordinate all efforts for best possible presentation at the OCA meeting.

UNI