Although he was initially sceptical concerning the bid, the adoption of the IOC’s Agenda 2020 reform programme and statements from IOC chairman Thomas Bach convinced him to firmly support Hungary’s application, he said, pointing out that Budapest is already “more or less suitable” for organising the Games and will become even more so by 2024, as a result of developments running independently from the Olympic bid.

Among already completed developments, he cited the building of the Ludovika military academy, the Academy of Music, the Groupama Arena, the “Tüskecsarnok” sports arena and sports facilities in the cities of Debrecen and Győr.

Further facilities under construction include the new Puskás Ferenc Stadium and the aquatics complex to be built next to the Dagály open-air spa in Budapest. A number of other infrastructural developments have already been completed or will be ready by 2020, such as the metro line 4, lengthened tram routes, public utility and flood protection schemes, the Margaret Island and road repairs.

”Budapest and Hungary are ready to hand in their bid to organise the 2024 Olympics by right and with a good chance of winning”, the mayor said, adding that the municipal assembly will vote on the application on 23 June.

Applications are open for the 2024 Summer Olympics until 15 September this year and the IOC will make its final decision in the Peruvian capital Lima in 2017.

Source: hungarytoday.hu

Republished with permission