Azerbaijan is the latest country to throw its name in the hat to host the 2016 Olympic Games.
According to president Ilham Aliev, the country’s growing economic stability and increasing number of top quality sports facilities means it is now ready to push to host a summer Games.
It will face some tough competition however. Also expected to bid are Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, Tokyo, Rome and Chicago.
Said Aliev: “The sport potential and growing economic might of our country means we should bid for the Games in 2016 – something we would not have thought possible just a few years ago.”
The closing date for entries to host the 2016 event is September 15. The IOC will make a final decision in two years time.
The 2012 Games will take place in London.
