Turkey may host European Games 2019
By Nigar Orujova
Turkey may host the next European Games, according to the vice-president of the Turkish National Olympic Committee, Hasan Arat, Anadolu Agency reported on June 16.
“If Turkey nominates its candidacy to host the second European Games, we believe the European Olympic Committees will positively respond to this,” said Arat.
He added that not only Istanbul, but also Mersin and Antalya have all the necessary conditions for hosting the Games.
“The final decision on the matter will be taken by politicians,” Arat added.
Arat highlighted the excellent organization of the first European Games in Azerbaijan, expressing confidence that over the years the importance of the European Games will continue to increase.
The Azerbaijani capital of Baku is hosting the inaugural European Games from June 12 to 28. The magnificent opening ceremony and the proceeding sports competitions have riveted the attention of the small South Caucasian country and the whole world.
Azerbaijan gathered over 6,000 athletes to compete in 20 sports, 16 of which are Olympic sports and 12 of which are qualifiers for 2016 Olympics in Rio.
In May, the Extraordinary General Assembly of the European Olympic Committee in Turkey proclaimed the Netherlands as the host country for the second installment of the Games. Potential hosts of the 2019 European Games were Great Britain, Poland, Russia, Belorussia and Turkey.
However, the country declined the honor in June citing financial issues.
At present, the host country for the European Games 2019 is yet unknown and Turkey may become the perfect alternative.
The Baku 2015 European Games is the biggest sporting event in Azerbaijan's history. The country was awarded the Games by the European Olympic Committee in December 2012.
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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar
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