Baku coordination commission chairman Spyros Capralos has stressed the importance of implementing non-Olympic sports at this year's European Games.
Certain events to be held at Baku 2015, such as karate and Sambo, are not represented at the quadrennial Olympics.
Speaking at a press-conference this morning, Capralos said: "Having new sports here is a very important innovation because things have become more flexible in the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and they will be looking at these Games to see how successful and popular these sports are."
The inaugural Games may still be in full swing, but the Baku chief has backed the Azerbaijan capital to one day hold sport's biggest event.
"Azerbaijan has invested a lot, not only in these Games, but in sport as a whole and we are seeing the success of that in sport now as they win medals in international events," the 60-year-old added.
"They also have a number of major sporting events coming here, such as Formula 1, and I think this shows their commitment to building on the success of the European Games.
"From what I have seen so far, I think they would be an excellent host of an Olympic Games."
Azerbaijan currently top the overall tally, having won six gold, two silver and five bronze medals so far.
Daniel Lewis
