Tarlos voices “whole-hearted” support for Hungary’s 2024 Olympic bid

Budapest (MTI) – Budapest whole-heartedly supports Hungary’s aspirations to host the Summer Olympics in 2024, the city’s mayor, Istvan Tarlos, told a conference on Wednesday.

Tarlos said hosting the Olympic Games in Budapest would “benefit the country in all respects”. The International Olympic Committee’s friendlier stance on smaller cities bidding for the games and a related statement by IOC head Thomas Bach have now dispelled any earlier scepticism, he said.

Tarlos cited Bach as praising Hungary for developing its sports infrastructure and for the country’s increased focus on sports in education.

Budapest is already “halfway ready” to host the games, and completion of projects independent of the Olympics will further improve the situation, Tarlos said.

“Budapest and Hungary are ready to bid for the Olympics and stand a good chance,” Tarlos said.

The mayor said he trusted the Budapest council would give the green light to Olympic plans at a session on June 23, International Olympic Day.

The Hungarian Olympic Committee proposed in February that the government and Budapest’s municipal council should consider bidding for the summer games in 2024.

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters