The Azerbaijan capital impressed observers here with the quality of its presentation yesterday to the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly when, along with rivals Doha, Istanbul, Madrid and Tokyo, they launched their international campaign.

Led by Mehriban Aliyeva, Azerbaijan's First Lady, the standard of their 10 minute submission, including a short film made by Hollywood producer Rupert Wainwright, caught many by surprise.  

"I think the [Baku] bid could 'ignite' the audience," said Alexey Sorokin, the chief executive of Russia 2018.

"The film and Azerbaijani First Lady's speech were good.

"One can see that the country wants to gain the right to host the Olympic Games -2020."

Sorokin, who led Moscow's unsuccessful bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, believes that all five of the cities bidding should be shortlisted by the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) ruling Executive Board when they meet to decide in Quebec City on May 23.

"I hope the International Olympic Committee will give them all an opportunity to continue the rivalry," he said.

"Moreover, Rome has already left the competition.

"At present, all candidates are worthy to reach the final."

Azerbaijan's Sports Minister Azad Rahimov believes that the presentation could mark a significant turn in how Baku's bid is treated.

The city bid for the 2016 Olympics but were eliminated at the first stage.



"2016 was a good school for us," Rahimov told insidethegames.

"We have gathered lots of experience.

"It [the Olympics] is an event that can change a city and we have prepared better this time.

"We have thought more precisely of our concept."

Baku has gathered together a team of international experts, including Helios Partners, previously worked on four winning Olympic bids - Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018 - as well as on Russia's successful campaign to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

"I have had a very positive feedback from IOC members and international federations," said Rahimov.

"I remember the articles [from 2016], 'Baku is a joke'.

"I don't read that now.

People are looking at us with different eyes."

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