The controversial Kalmadi, who is also president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), has been widely criticised for the chaotic build-up to the Commonwealth Games, which finished last night with a glittering Closing Ceremony, that led to serious questions being asked about the country's ability to host major events.

But despite the many perceived problems, Delhi 2010 exceeded expectations and Kalmadi, who said before the event begun that "the biggest legacy of the Commonwealth Games is the Olympics," has repeated that he wants to see the biggest sporting extravaganza on the planet come to India.

Kalmadi said: "I have a dream, but I don't know when.

"I will decide after the Commonwealth Games.

"Let's see when we can get the Olympics.

"We have to speak to the Government after the Games."

Kalmadi said he has been delighted with the performance of Indian athletes at the Games and added that Olympic sport in India had benefited dramatically from hosting the Commonwealth Games.

He said: "The number of the medals this time is the highest.

"The Government had sanctioned a lot of money for preparation of Indian athletes.

"They were given a lot of international exposure, better facilities, training abroad and better coaches.

"The biggest legacy is Olympic sport, but most of the youngsters are tuned to cricket, which is played by 10 countries.

"Olympic sport is a global sport.

"We are trying to make a lot of new icons to lead the youth of India and this is being achieved.

"I am happy about it."

Delhi's first citizen Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna added that he supports Kalmadi's dream of hosting the Olympic Games in the future and said the Commonwealth Games show they are ready.

"The Games Village we have is the finest ever and is ready to host Olympics or any other multi-discipline world class meet," said Khanna.

"I am not the only one saying this.

"Many foreign delegates during their visit were so impressed with our facility they told me we should bid for the 2020 Olympics now."

Contact the writer of this story [email protected]


Repeated stories
October 2010: Commonwealth Games "big step forward" for Indian ambitions to host 2020 Olympics
October 2010: Delhi can still be contenders to host 2020 Olympics claims Kalmadi
July 2010: India want to concentrate on 2020 Olympic bid, claim Government
June 2010: Delhi bid for 2019 Asian Games leaves 2020 Olympics in doubt
March 2010: Delhi Commonwealth Games is stepping stone for Olympics claims Kalmadi