SOCHI: Russia’s Winter Olympics officially got underway on the Black Sea coast on Friday with a grandiose opening ceremony that President Vladimir Putin hoped would dispel fears of militant attacks and a row over gay rights that marred the build-up.
Putin has staked his reputation on hosting a safe and successful Games in the resort town of Sochi, where a colourful, sometimes muddled show before 40,000 spectators at the gleaming Fisht Stadium signalled the start of full sporting competition.
“I declare the 22nd Winter Olympic Games open,” Putin said.
Some 37,000 security personnel are on high alert in Sochi over threats by militant groups based in the nearby north Caucasus region to attack the Feb 7-23 Games.
The separatist guerrillas seek an independent Islamic state in Chechnya and neighbouring regions of southern Russia.—Reuters
Dear visitor, the comments section is undergoing an overhaul and will return soon.