of the cities applying for holding the winter Olympic Games in 2026, reports Inside the Games. This idea was supported by President of Turkey Recep Erdogan.
Erzurum became history, as a place where at the end of XIX – the beginning of the XX century there was a genocide of Armenians. However, the journalist, the political analyst Khalatyan Ayk on air of Information company "Natsionalnaya sluzhba novostey" (NSN) declared that this fact should not prevent the Armenian national team to visit Game if the Turkish city becomes the owner of the Olympic Games.
"A position of the Armenian authorities such is that they do not mix sports and policy. And I would like to remind that a few years ago to Baku passed the first European games, and to Baku after all too were the tragic events of the 90th year connected with the Armenian population, but, despite it, nevertheless the Armenian athletes took part. Therefore, of course, it is a little difficult, painful question for Armenia, but I think that here special problems with participation in OI-2026 of the Armenian athletes will not be" — the interlocutor of Information company "Natsionalnaya sluzhba novostey" (NSN) declared.
As for a choice Turkey the cities for Games, he noted — the authorities can pursue the aim of promoting of the region at tourists.
"Me it seems tothat this part Turkey where there is Erzurum, is a little poorly developed in comparison with other cities — Antalya, Istanbul. I can assume only that the purpose of carrying out such large action as OI, to give an impetus to developments the region" — Khalatyan Ayk noticed.
By the way, Turkey applies for a role of the hostess of the Olympic Games for the first time. Besides it an application for competitions was submitted by six more countries: Calgary (Canada), Sapporo (Japan), Stockholm (Sweden), Syon (Switzerland), Graz and Shlamding (Austria, general demand) and Milan and Turin (Italy, general demand).