New Delhi: India is out of the running to host the 2019 Asian Games, with the sports minister saying the country could not put together a proposal in time to meet the bidding deadline.
The Olympic Council of Asia had relaxed the bid deadline of July 1 by a couple of days but the IOA could not arrange government clearances in time.
"We were waiting for a proposal from the Indian Olympic Association," Sarbananda Sonowal told reporters in New Delhi on Tuesday. "That could not come in time but we are hoping to host to host a big event in the future."
Bidding for the event was reopened after Hanoi -- which had initially been awarded the games -- pulled out as host.
India's bid was initially delayed due to uncertainty about bidding following the strife-torn hosting of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
Once Indian Olympic officials found the government was open to the idea of hosting the games, they decided to pursue a bid.
However, they are reported to have had a difficulty getting the requisite approvals and clearances from various ministries of the new government, which came to power in May this year.
India held the inaugural Asian Games in 1951 and also the 1982 edition, both in New Delhi. It also put up an unsuccessful bid for the 2014 games which will be held in the Korean city of Incheon.
