India is “not ready” to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee.

Bach – speaking after a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – dismissed chances of an Indian bid being successful in the near future, ending rumours that the country would seek to host the 2024 Games.

A number of Indian media had been speculating that either New Delhi – host of the 2010 Commonwealth Games – or Ahmedabad could mount a serious bid for the 2024 Games.

“Frankly, we were a little bit surprised about this speculation,” said Bach, “We think it will be a too soon for India to have successful Olympics in 2024.”

So far, three cities have declared they will make an official bid for the 2024 Games – Boston, US; Hamburg, Germany: and Rome, Italy.

• Background

In the back of Bach’s mind is no doubt India’s previous effort of hosting a multi-sport event.

The run up to the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games was marred by a number of controversies – including delays in construction, allegations over corruption and poor ticket sales.

Following the Games, the chair of the organising committee's, Suresh Kalmadi, was jailed on corruption charges.

The lack of a legacy from the 2010 Games has also been heavily criticised, with many of the expensive venues built for the Delhi Games being unused and left to decay.

The IOC is keen to avoid a repeat of the criticism and large demonstrations seen in Brazil over the cost of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. A bid by India – where 21.9 per cent of people still live below the poverty line of $1.25 – could result in similar unrest.

To see a short BBC documentary on the failed legacy of the Delhi Games, click here.

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