Written by Tom Hayward, the article says:” Hosts Azerbaijan's seven medals on day one of the European Games was the highest return for any nation and their early triumph is vital for delivering a successful event, Baku 2015 chief operating officer Simon Clegg said on Sunday, AzerTag reports.

On the shores of the Caspian Sea, and with a vociferous home crowd roaring them on, the Azeris won three gold medals, one silver and three bronze in an impressive start to the competition.”

"Obviously we are naturally delighted with the success of the Azerbaijan team," Clegg told reporters on Sunday.

"The success of the host nation early on in the games is a very important component of delivering a successful Games.

"On the back of a fantastic opening ceremony it's then really important to start the competition well for the host nation and we are delighted with the results the Azeri athletes secured yesterday."

"I am pleased to say as a result of the success of the opening ceremony there is significant interest in the city," he added.

The inaugural European Games runs to June 28 and the closing ceremony was expected to sell out, Clegg said.

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