Mumbai has been proposed to host the 2023 IOC Session ©Getty Images

Mumbai has been proposed as host of the 2023 International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session, it was announced here in Lausanne today.

India was the sole bidder for the IOC Session, with the country having submitted its proposal to the IOC in Lausanne last June.

An IOC delegation visited Mumbai in November to inspect the country's bid, with the Evaluation Commission led by Executive Board member Ng Ser Miang.

The Commission met officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) during the trip, including IOA President Narinder Batra, secretary general Rajeev Mehta and Indian IOC member Nita Ambani.

The IOC Executive Board gave its approval here today, with final ratification set to be made at the IOC Session in Tokyo in July.

“India is the second most populous nation in the world,” said Thomas Bach, IOC President.

“It is a nation with a very young population and a nation which is having a huge potential for Olympic sport.

“We want to tap on this great potential and want to encourage and support the IOA and all the National Federations to really promote and strengthen Olympic sport in India.

“This year, 2023, coincides with the 75th anniversary of Indian independence.

“We think this is a very good year.”

Mumbai's bid was evaluated by an IOC delegation in November ©Facebook
Mumbai's bid was evaluated by an IOC delegation in November ©Facebook

India has only hosted the IOC Session once, in 1983 in New Delhi.

India is also in the running to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Under the previous process, the IOC would have elected the host city of the 2030 Winter Olympic Games at the 2023 IOC Session.

But the seven-year timeline was scrapped under widespread changes to the bidding process, endorsed by the Session in June, meaning it is likely the 2030 Games will be awarded earlier than 2023.