India gets UK support for 2020 Olympic bid

New Delhi, Nov 19 (UNI) United Kingdom will support India's bid for 2020 Olympic Games, London Mayor Ken Livingstone said today.

Livingstone gave the support when sought by IOA President Suresh Kalmadi but not without having a word of caution.

''Just like favourite New York lost to London for 2012 Olympics, India should not be complacent,'' the Mayor said at a conference organised by CII here.

Sharing his thoughts on hosting of Olympic Games by London in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games by Delhi in 2010, Livingstone said the effort to host world class sporting events would enhance the opportunity for the two cities to develop a relationship and strengthening social, cultural and economical bonding.

''Sporting events like Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games provide opportunities in improvement in the skills of local community,'' said Livingstone.

''In real terms, India is the fourth largest economy in the world. By 2020, three men will take important decisions of the World -- American President, Chinese President and Indian Prime Minister.'' Echoing the same sentiment Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and Paralympic Games, said, ''Mega sporting events create job opportunities and improvement of urban infrastructure which contributes to the sustainable development of local community even after the Games.'' ''The challenge for a city is to avail all possible amenities for the games and leave a lasting legacy for years to come,'' said Lord Coe.

''It is important to drive educational and cultural values to the Games and engage young people into the process,'' he said.

''Hosting a mega-sporting event is an opportunity for a city to feature in the world map and create role models,'' he added.

Born to an Indian mother, Coe said he has a special place for Delhi in his heart.

''The greatest challenge is to have a lasting legacy in social, economic and enviromental spheres,'' he said.

''It is a drive not just for social and economic regeneration but physical as well. We need to drive in the cultural value of both the countries.

''Both the cities have golden opportunity. London and Delhi Games must be seen as a Game for everyone,'' he said.

UNI