The "curtain fell on the inaugural European Games on Sunday with the status of Baku as a capable host of a major sporting event enhanced" but with a shadow "hanging over the future of the continental competition," according to Tom Hayward of REUTERS. Opinion "was divided" when Azerbaijan was announced as host of the games in '12 with "serious questions surrounding its human rights record." There has been "little criticism, however, of the show they have put on, with little expense spared and widespread praise for the lavish venues and infrastructure." Questions remain about the "strength of the competition, however, and the absence of top athletes has led many critics to suggest the event has little future" in a saturated sporting calendar. A cumulative figure of 22,000 spectators attended the first day of athletics, "while a figure of just 10,661 was announced during the second and final day at the 68,000-seat Olympic Stadium." Organizers followed previous blueprints from the Olympic Games and "invested heavily in the event, which featured athletes from 50 European nations competing in 20 sports," and by doing so showcased Azerbaijan's "viability as a potential Olympic host." European Olympic Committees President Patrick Hickey said, "They're well capable of hosting an Olympic Games." The Netherlands pulled out of hosting the '19 edition days before the opening ceremony in Baku because the Dutch government decided it would be a "financial burden." Seven candidates have since emerged as a potential replacement (REUTERS, 6/28).
ON THE MAP: Hayward reported in a separate piece Azerbaijan Minister for Sport & Youth Azad Rahimov said that the "success of the
inaugural European Games has put Azerbaijan on the world and European
map." He said, "It has been a success for Azerbaijan and will be a launch pad for future sporting events we will host. The coverage ... and the positive messages we have sent have really highlighted Azerbaijan on the world and European map." Next year Azerbaijan will host an F1 race through the streets of Baku, the 42nd Chess Olympiad and football's European U17 Championship. It will also stage Euro 2020 matches. Rahimov: "There is a new culture growing, this is very important, of supporting the development of sport" (REUTERS, 6/26).
