Belarus to host next European Games

By Amina Nazarli

Belarus will host the second edition of the European Games scheduled for 2019.

Minsk was named a venue for the Games at the 45th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees held in the Belarusian capital city.  

The inaugural European Games were held in Baku on June 12-28, 2015, with participation of over 6,000 sportsmen.

Belarus will use Azerbaijan's experience in carrying out the European Games, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said on October 21 at the meeting with the vice-president of Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee, Chingiz Huseynzade.

“You experience is very important for us,” said the Belarusian president, adding that no one can surpass Azerbaijan in it.

After witnessing Azerbaijan’s success during the flawless competitions, its brilliant opening and closing ceremonies, several countries have expressed their interest in hosting the next edition of the Games.

The Baku 2015 European Games become the biggest sporting event in Azerbaijan's history. The country was awarded the Games by the European Olympic Committee in December 2012.
 

The country gathered over 6,000 athletes from across Europe to compete in 20 sports, 16 of which are Olympic sports and 12 of which are qualifiers for 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Russia grabbed the most of the medals at the Games, 164 in total, 79 of which are gold. Azerbaijan came in second with 56 medals, 21 gold, and Great Britain followed with 47 medals, 18 of which were gold.