Rogge boost for India's 2020 Olympic bid

Tapan Mohanta
Pune, Oct 16 (PTI) India's plan to stage the 2020 Olympics received a shot in the arm with the International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge saying he expects a strong bid from the country.

"I am sure that if India bids then it will be very solid
and comprehensive. I have no doubt about that," Rogge, who was
here along with Indian Olympic Association (I.O.A.) President
Suresh Kalmadi for the launch of the Olympic Values Education
Programme and Indian National Club Games, said Thursday.

"India has successfully hosted the Asian Games in 1951
and in 1982 and then the Afro Asian Games in 2003. Now they
are hosting Commonwealth Youth Games and in two years time
they will host the Commonwealth Games. And I know Mr Kalmadi
is now thinking about 2020."

The I.O.C. President also lauded India's performance in
the Beijing Olympics this year and said he expects a better
show in 2010 Commonwealth Games to be hosted by New Delhi.

"India has been very successful in Beijing and I look
forward to see great success in 2010. I expect a lot from
India because the country is dynamic and very vibrant with
great evolution and therefore represents very important part
of mankind," Rogge said. PTI TAP