(a) Whether India has lost its bid to host the 2014 Asian Games;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether there was lack of coordination between Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Indian Olympic Committee in this regard;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether the Government has any proposal to bid for hosting the 2014 Asian Games;
(f) if so, the details thereof;and
(g) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ, YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) It would appear from the outcome that the presentation made by the Republic of Korea carried more weight with the Electoral College than the Indian presentation partly because the RoK delegation said they would be showcasing all of Asia at Incheon, and not just RoK alone, and because they argued that such Games are awarded to cities not countries and Delhi had earlier been the venue of two Asian Games, in 1951 and 1982, whereas Incheon had not earlier hosted the Games. As the ballot was secret and no explanation of vote was required either before or after the vote, it is not possible to categorically state the reasons for vote was lost but it is to be noted that the Chairman of the Olympic Council for Asia announced that the vote was decided by `a narrow margin`.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) Does not arise.
(e) It is too early to make a bid for these.
(f) Does not arise.
(g) Does not arise.