The impact of the first European Games 2015

Abstract

This article explores the staging of the first European Games in Baku, in 2015, and its impact on the country's sporting ambitions. The way is which the event was covered by the media is also considered, and the extent to which this coverage affected the politics and economy of Azerbaijan. All would agree that Baku 2015 was a major opportunity to represent Azerbaijan to the world. In fact, it represented a watershed in national strategy; the moment that Azerbaijan laid claim to a reputation as a global capital of sport, that this young country was taking the lead in the dynamic, young, exciting world of sport. It was a bold exercise in international posi- tioning. With reference to some of the activities and ambitions that brought the European Games to reality, it can be seen that the objective to change the international perception of Azerbaijan, laying the foun- dation for future sporting success, was a resounding success.