New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi today set the ball rolling for New Delhi's bid for the 17th Asian Games in 2014, promising the Olympic Council of Asia that a progressive and vibrant India would be the perfect host for the mega event.

Kalmadi, who is also a Member of Parliament, said even if it was a city bid, the Government of India was fully supporting them to win the confidence of the Bid Evaluation Committee of the Olympic Council of Asia, which arrived here late last night.

"At present, over 70 per cent of Indian population is below 30 years and they will be ripe by 2014 to take part in the Games," he said.

"Delhi has a history of 5000 years. It has become an economic tiger with the sensex rising. By 2014, all our youngsters will get the opportunity to turn to Olympic sports to be ready for the mega-event," he said.

"All our government agencies are fully involved in the bid and the Prime Minister will give you enough time during the tour," he added.

Kalmadi said India was a more deserving bidder vis-a-vis their only competitor Incheon, since Korea hosted the last Games in Busan.

"Korea is our only competitor but they have hosted the event last time in Busan while we have not got a chance in the last 32 years. A country of billion people deserves this,"  he said.