Chief operation officer of the Baku European Games Operations Committee Simon Clegg has said that karate's inclusion in the Games will boost its chances of becoming an Olympic sport in the future.
Karate narrowly failed to secure enough votes to be included in the 2012 and 2016 programmes, and was excluded from consideration for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, losing out to wrestling.
Clegg said at a press conference: "There is no doubt, many sports aspire to be part of the Olympic movement, for all of the benefits that come with that level of profile, support and endorsement from the International Olympic Committee.
"I'm absolutely sure, after seeing it here first hand, that it was a wonderful demonstration of the sport, very powerful, and opportunities like this to raise levels of awareness in competitive environment, in front of members of the IOC here can only help karate's ambitions of getting into the Olympic Games.
"I think this has been a very positive experience for the athletes and the whole sport of karate. I'm sure people will take greater interest in karate going forward."
Karate, which originated in Japan, still has a chance to be included in 2020, with the IOC passing a rule last year that allows the host nation to propose an additional sport.
Sian Cowper
