OCA Evaluation Committee calls on Prime Minister

New Delhi, Nov 10 (UNI) On a action-packed day, the five-member Evaluation Commission Committee of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) today tasted New Delhi's preparedness for the Asian Games to be held in 2014.

The delegates called on the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh after having a session with members of the New Delhi's Bid Committee and Government officials. They also visited National Stadium and the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium.

Earlier, Chairman New Delhi Bid Committee and IOA President Suresh Kalmadi put forward the city's claim saying, ''We are a young nation and fully geared up to stage the Games.'' Arguing his case with the only other contender, Incheon City in Korea, Kalmadi said, ''Korea had staged the Asian Games in Busan in 2002 while India will be organising after 32 years.'' Chief Minister Sheila Dikshi said, ''Whatever we construct in 2010 for the Commonwealth Games we will add on for the Asian Games in 2014.'' In his response, Chairman of the Evaluation Commission, Mr Celso Dayrit said he had fond memories of the Afro-Asian Games in Hyderabad.

''I have India's organisational capability and I have no doubt that New Delhi can do a good job of the mega event.'' In the lighter side, Dayrit said, ''I wish there was only one bidder and our job would have been easier.'' UNI HSB PDS PM1957