Olympic Council Of Asia Refuses To Grant Extension On IOA Asian Games Bid

India’s "hopes to bid for hosting the 2019 Asian Games received a setback on Wednesday" when the Olympic Council of Asia refused to grant more than a "couple of days" of extension on its deadline for the submission of the bid to the Indian Olympic Association, according to the DECCAN HERALD. The IOA had requested a 15-day extension to hand over its "detailed bid." The OCA "reasoned extreme shortage of time for its decision." The "deadline for the submission of the bid was July 1." To get clearances from the various government agencies "is also a long-drawn affair." Indonesia is reported to be the favorite to host the Games after Hanoi, Vietnam "pulled out of its commitment because of financial constraints last April." The last Asian Games "was held in the Chinese city of Guangzhou" (DECCAN HERALD, 7/2).