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SOCHI. — Russia yesterday launched one of the most controversial Winter Olympics in history spearheaded by President Vladimir Putin, with a spectacular opening ceremony aiming to impress a sceptical world it is a worthy host.
After a build-up dogged by concerns over security, gay rights and construction delays, Russians were happy to see the spectacular new Fisht Stadium on the shores of the Black Sea burst into light.

Security concerns intensified as the United States announced a temporary ban on liquids and gels in hand luggage on Russia-bound flights, following a warning that militants could stuff explosives into toothpaste.

But President Barack Obama said Moscow has an “enormous stake” in thwarting terror at the Games and Secretary of State John Kerry said if his own daughter wanted to attend Sochi “I’d say go”.

The first sporting action got under way on Thursday, with Russian veteran Yevgeny Plushenko rolling back the years to help the Olympic hosts lead the new team figure skating competition. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers also started competition.

Putin, who has championed the Sochi Games from the bid victory in 2007, was at the opening ceremony along with more than 40 other heads of state and leaders.

These include UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and embattled Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who is facing a protest uprising at home.

With an estimated price tag of US$50 billion for building facilities and infrastructure in the underdeveloped southern Russian region, the Games are the most expensive in history and also among the most controversial.

Obama and a host of key EU leaders were absent, in what was seen by some as a snub to Russia after it passed a widely condemned law banning the spread of gay propaganda to minors.

The producer of the opening, Russian TV boss Konstantin Ernst, said the ceremony at the 40 000 seat stadium was a “visiting card” for Russia and would show a “journey to the depths of our history”. — AFP.