World Athletics Boss Sebastian Coe In India, Meets Sports Minister

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday and discussed India's intent to host the 2036 Olympics along with development of athletics in the country. Coe will also have an "informal" meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the short visit. The 68-year-old former middle distance runner, who won four Olympic medals during his decorated career, was received by Athletics Federation of India head Adille Sumariwalla at the Delhi airport this morning. The British great is currently in the race to become the next President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the visit, it is believed, is part of his campaign to drum up support for that.

"Dr. Mandaviya spoke about India's resolve to host a sustainable, inclusive, and inspiring Games, and added that our ambition to host Olympics 2036 reflects the widespread support at every level -- government, industry, and society -- for showcasing India's cultural heritage and sporting capabilities at the world stage," a press release from the sports ministry stated.

The country has moved forward in the process of bidding by submitting a letter of intent to the IOC last month. The host city will be decided only after the IOC elections next year. The body is currently headed by Thomas Bach, who has been supportive of India's ambitious plan.

Sumariwalla, AFI Secretary General Ravinder Chaudhary, and several sports ministry officials were present in the meeting between Coe and Mandaviya.

"These are informal meetings, basically courtesy calls. He will head to Mumbai for a commercial engagement after his meeting with the PM in the evening," a source in the Athletics Federation of India told PTI.

Coe, whose grandfather was an Indian