10-09-2011 13:52:50

‘High chance’ for Baku’s hosting 2020 Olympics – official

BAKU – The Azerbaijani capital Baku stands a “high chance” to host the summer Olympics in 2020, Sports Minister Azad Rahimov said Friday.

Baku is among the bidders to host the Olympics, along with Doha, Istanbul, Madrid, Rome and Tokyo.

The Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee earlier submitted Baku’s candidacy to host the summer Olympics in 2016, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected Rio de Janeiro as venue for the Games.

Rahimov told a press conference that unlike the 2016 Olympic Games, Baku’s selection as venue in 2020 is likely for several reasons.

“First, this is because we have submitted our candidacy twice,” he said. “Second, there will be more sports facilities in Baku in 2020. Third, the conduct here of major international tournaments and events, for example, the Eurovision song contest in 2012, and the world boxing championship, will have a positive impact. IOC will take all this into account.”

But Rahimov added that it is hard to say now which city will be selected to host the 2020 Olympics.

“[For instance], the Qatari capital Doha has also submitted its bid for the second time. But the main problem there is scorching heat in summer.”

The host of the Olympics will be selected at an IOC congress to be held in 2013 in Buenos Aires.

TAGS: Azerbaijan, Olympics in 2020, Azad Rahimov, Doha, Istanbul, Madrid, Rome, Tokyo, Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee, International Olympic Committee, Rio de Janeiro, 2016 Olympic Games