Late Rajiv Gandhi, one of the unsung heroes behind the successful hosting of the 1982 Asian Games

Late Rajiv Gandhi, who became the country’s youngest prime minister at the age of 40 after the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, in 1984, played a key role in the organization of the 1982 Asian Games.  

Then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi gave Rajiv the responsibility to supervise the construction of the stadiums.

At that time Rajiv Gandhi was a Member of Parliament from Amethi and Gandhi along with then Lt Governor of Delhi Jagmohan Malhotra supervised the construction for hosting the 1982 Asian Games. They used to directly report to the prime minister on the construction status of the 1982 Asiad projects.

He was also a member of the organizing committee of the games.

For the 1982 Asian Games, five new stadiums, seven new flyovers, two hostels were constructed. In the early 80s, getting a phone connection was a privilege and Delhi got 12,000 new phone lines, power distribution was upgraded.

As per the information on website://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/  regarding former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi - In November 1982, when India hosted the Asian Games, the commitment made years earlier to build the stadia and other infrastructure was fulfilled. Shri Gandhi was entrusted with the task of getting all the work completed on time and ensuring that the games themselves were conducted without any hitches or flaws. In fulfilling this challenging task, he first displayed his flair for quiet efficiency and smooth coordination.