Riders compete at the women’s BMX Moto competition in Baku.

The success of the inaugural European Games has put Azerbaijan on the world and European map, according to minister of youth and sport Azad Rahimov.

“The first European Games will go down in sporting history,” Rahimov said.

“I’m very proud of what has been achieved in Baku and the positive feedback we have been getting.

“It has been a success for Azerbaijan and will be a launch pad for future sporting events we will host. The coverage and the positive messages we have sent have really highlighted Azerbaijan on the world and European map.”

Next year Azerbaijan will host a Formula One race through the streets of Baku, the 42nd Chess Olympiad and soccer’s European Under-17 Championship. It will also stage matches in soccer’s Euro 2020 competition.

“There is a new culture growing, this is very important, of supporting the development of sport,” said Rahimov.

“Every ticket sold is an important contribution to sustain our sporting arenas and develop our athletes in different sports.”

Before yesterday’s programme of sport got underway, Russia were dominating the Games with 69 golds but Azerbaijan, roared on by vociferous support at every venue, have surprised many and were second in the medal table with 18.

“The success of the Azerbaijan team has had a huge impact, not only on the Games but also on the general public,” said Simon Clegg, chief operating officer of Baku 2015.

“I think huge credit should go to the athletes and their coaches and federations.”

Nearly 6,000 athletes from 50 countries have competed in 20 sporting events at the Games that will end with today’s closing ceremony in the 68,000-seater Olympic Stadium.

Doping offence

Azerbaijan’s Ethiopian-born 3,000 metre steeplechase runner Chaltu Beji has been suspended from the Baku Games for doping, the European Olympic Committees (EOC) said yesterday.

The 18-year-old, who also competed in the 1,500 metres, won the steeplechase event last Sunday but the EOC said her urine sample contained osterine, a banned substance.

“Ms Beji was therefore charged with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation,” the governing body said .

“It was determined by the EOC Executive Committee on the re-commendation of the EOC’s Committee for Legal, Eligibility, Disciplinary and Doping Matters that she is suspended from participation in the European Games and that she is disqualified from the 3,000m steeplechase which took place on June 21.

“Further anti-doping procedures will be conducted by the competent international organisations.”

Hosts Azerbaijan finished fifth in the team athletics championship, narrowly missing out on promotion to the second tier of the European Athletics Team Championship.

Last week, 19-year-old Albanian boxer Rexhildo Zeneli was suspended from the Games after testing positive for another prohibited substance furosemide.