(ATR) IOC President Thomas Bach seems pleased with the way the bid race for the 2024 Olympics is shaping up.
During a reception that took place in the backdrop of the inaugural European Games, Bach voiced his thoughts on France and Germany's respective Olympic bids.
In addressing the audience of several top international sports figures at the event, hosted by the French Olympic Committee, Bach discussed France's long history with the Olympic Movement.
The IOC chief discreetly referenced the Paris 2024 bid, according to Francs Jeux, joking that he sometimes listens to bid rumors - especially ones that he likes.
Pat Hickey, president of the European Olympic Committees, was also in attendance and commended France for its large presence at the 2015 European Games.
France has 251 athletes competing at the Games in the Azerbaijani capital.
Ukrainian NOC president Sergey Bubka,World Anti-Doping Agency president Craig Reedie andWorld Taekwondo presidentChungwon Choue were also in attendance.
The list of IOC members at the event also included Claudia Bokel, Anita DeFrantz, Tony Estanguet, Gunilla Lindberg, Denis Oswald, Lassana Palenfo and Prince Albert of Monaco.
In addressing Germany's Olympic aspirations to reporters, Bach said the country is more than capable of hosting the Games and the 2024 European football championships in the same year.
"An economically strong and sports-enthusiastic country like Germany can manage both," Bach told Der Spiegel news magazine.
Both Germany and Turkey have confirmed bids for Euro 2024, with many considering Germany the front-runner in the race.
Michel Platini, president of the Union of European Football Associations,has reportedly expressed concerns over Germany's campaign to host the Olympics and Euros in the same year.
"The Turks wanted the same thing in 2020, and in the end they got nothing."
Hamburg is bidding to host the 2024 Olympics alongside Boston, Budapest, Paris and Rome. Other cities including Baku may yet join the race.
In November, the people of Hamburg will have an opportunity to vote on a bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The state parliament of Hamburg approved a constitutional amendment in May that allows for a binding referendum on the Games.
"I am not a pollster, but after all I have heard, there is a lot of support in Hamburg," Bach said.
The IOC’s application deadline for cities in the 2024 Olympic bid race is Sept. 15. The vote on the host city takes place at the 2017 IOC Session in Peru.
Written byNicole Bennett
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