European Games will help Azerbaijan host Olympics, claims gold medallist

Namig Abdullayev left feels staging the European Games is the first step on the road to hosting and Olympic and Paralympic Games ©Azerbaijan NOC/Twitter

Sydney 2000 freestyle wrestling gold medallist Namig Abdullayev believes Azerbaijan hosting the inaugural European Games represents the first step on the path to his nation eventually staging an Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Speaking at the wrestling test event, held here at the recently-renovated Arena in which action will take place in two months time, Abdullayev claimed staging a successful Games will dramatically improve their chances of securing the rights to host the biggest sporting event in the world.

Azerbaijan has been independent only since 1991 and has twice bid unsuccessfully for the 2016 and 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The European Games will greatly help the Olympics to come to this country,” the 44-year-old, who clinched an historic gold with his triumph in the 55 kilograms division 15 years ago, told insidethegames.

“I hope the Games will provide the basis for an Olympics to come to Azerbaijan.

“The Presidents of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and European Olympic Committees (EOC) will support us if they see good results at the European Games.

“We would be glad to host the Olympics here.”

Excitement is building ahead of Baku 2015, with both test events - in wrestling and boxing - attracting healthy crowds considering the relatively low level of competition.

Staging Europe’s first-ever multi-sport continental Games represents a major coup for Azerbaijan and Abdullayev claimed it will help put his country on the map.

“I believe that the whole world will watch the European Games,” he said.

“They will help Azerbaijan’s sporting development and they will help the world see the history of the country.”

Image title — Abdullayev (left) feels the European Games in Baku will help put Azerbaijan on the map ©Getty Images

Europe is the last continent to add a major multi-sport Games to the calendar and the event will be screened as far afield as Australia and Asia, although key broadcasting deals with Britain and Russia are yet to be finalised.

Azerbaijan have a rich history in wrestling as they have won four Olympic golds, and they are expected to perform well during Baku 2015, particularly with the vociferous backing of a raucous home crowd.

“Every four years we were watching the other international games on TV and now we have this exciting event in our country,” said Abdullayev.

“Now we don’t have to watch on television - we can go and support and get behind our athletes in person.

“The Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation takes care of their athletes and so they are producing better results each and every day and we hope to do well this summer.”