An "effort is underway" to consider bringing the 2032 Olympic Games to India, according to Narain Swamyl of TNN. If the move takes shape, the "National Capital Region would be the automatic choice as the venue." The Indian sports ministry is "about to undertake an exercise to evaluate the implications of hosting the 35th Olympics as well as its impact on various sectors associated with the event." Once it is "convinced of the feasibility of hosting the Games and its potential upshots," it may submit a non-paper or a concept note to the government for further discussions. Indian Olympic Association President N. Ramachandran told reporters last month that the IOA was "seeking permission from the government to bid for the 2032 Olympics and 2030 Asian Games." The sports ministry's move suggests that it is "not averse to the idea per se, but will like to tread cautiously in view of the costs involved" and evidence that the Games "have often not brought commensurate benefits to host nations." The sports ministry is "not swayed by the argument that unlike an overwhelming majority of hosts so far, India has not been a sports powerhouse." It argued that sport forms "just a small part of the set of calculations which go into bidding for the Olympics." Currently, the focus is on the "pros and cons of hosting the event." A source said, "We are keen on understanding where the country stands before we decide upon the future course of action" (TNN, 7/20)