Beijing Olympics

Bangalore: Even as the Beijing Olympics 2008 got underway on Friday, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram expressed hope that India would be able to stage the Olympic Games in 2020. Recalling his address in the Lok Sabha on the day of the trust vote (July 22), Chidambaram said that the only country India should compare with is China, and not any other country.

"India must be able to pitch for hosting the Olympics in 2020 if not 2016. By that time we much become an economic super power with resources and capacity to stage the world's greatest sports event," Chidambaram said at a function where his recent book 'A View from the Outside: Why Good Economics Works for Everyone' was read to a select audience.

"The only country India can compare with is China. Everyday, I compare our country with China and ask why we can't overtake it. When can we overtake China? Only when we have the resources and the courage to stage the Olympics," Chidambaram noted.

Asserting that India had a great future because of its people who are its greatest strength, he said that the younger generation was confident and full of ideas, hope, pride, enthusiasm and ambition.

"We have great potential and great talent. All we need is to get our act together. The problem is not politics but governance. If India could not do it (Olympics) in 2008, we should set a date for ourselves. If I were you, I will ask political parties to say India must be able to pitch for hosting the 2020 Olympics," Chidambaram affirmed, drawing a round of applause. (IANS) The Indian Olympic team marches during the opening ceremonies for the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Friday, Aug. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)