Sports Minister does not want Indian Olympic bid

INDIA Sports Minister MS Gill has refuted claims an Olympic bid is certain to follow in the wake of Delhi hosting the Commonwealth Games next year.

OLYMPIC BID?: India Sports Minister does not think an Olympic bid should follow on from Commonwealth Games next year (Getty Images)

At present, preparations for next October's Games are mired in difficulty with venues reportedly behind schedule amid constant bickering between organisers and the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Last month Delhi 2010 organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi called for the sacking of CGF chief executive Mike Hooper, while the Delhi Delivery Authority has been forced to put back dates for the completion of two venues; those set to stage badminton and squash, and archery and table tennis.

Regardless of such stumbling blocks, a bid to stage the 2020 Summer Olympics is expected should Delhi 2010 pass off successfully.

The 2002 Commonwealth Games played a major role in London's success in winning the 2012 Games, and Delhi 2010 could follow suit. But Gill is far from convinced.

"Look at the poverty in this country, look at its size. China has spent $50 billion for the Olympics".

"There is a certain class of people, who like and enjoy it because it is a good entertainment for them.

"Some of our colleagues said casually that we should be bidding for Olympics. I'm not sure India should be."