The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has written to the country's Sports Ministry seeking permission to officially launch a bid for 2019.

The want to build on what they are hope will be a successful Commonwealth Games, which are due to take place between October 3 and 14 later this year.

Lalit Bhanot, the secretary of the Commonwealth Games organising committee, said: "We are interested in hosting the 2019 Asian Games in Delhi.

"We have written to Sports Ministry, who have asked for a few clarifications.

"We will be replying shortly."

Suresh Kalmadi, the President of the IOA, had claimed earlier this year that the Commonwealth Games were a stepping-stone to a bid for the Olympics.

Delhi, which hosted the 1982 Asian Games, lost out on its bid for the 2014 edition, which were awarded to Incheon in South Korea.

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