India to bid for 2014 Asian Games

Delhi hosted the Asian Games in 1982

India is to put in a bid to host the 2014 Asian Games in the capital, Delhi, a government minister has said.

Officials describe it as an opportunity to strengthen India's relationship with participating nations and improve the country's sports infrastructure.

Delhi hosted the inaugural multiple-sport Asian Games in 1951 and again in 1982. It will be the venue of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The last Asian Games were held in the South Korean city of Pusan in 2002.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Jaipal Reddy said that hosting the 17th Asian Games would also enhance India's image.

The 1982 Asian Games in Delhi transformed the capital city with widening of roads and the construction of a number of flyovers and stadiums.

India will spend more than $400m on the Commonwealth Games, mostly on building sporting facilities and infrastructure in Delhi, a city of 14 million people.