International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has urged athletes and fans participating in Sochi winter games to trust the Russian authorities to keep them safe, despite heightened security fears.
More than 37,000 Russian police and troops are erecting a so-called ring of steel around the Black Sea resort following terrorist threats and suicide bombings that killed 34 people in Volgograd last month.
Bach said athletes would be censured if they protested against Russia's anti-gay laws from the medal podium.
He asked them to make their views clear in press conferences, The Guardian reports.
The IOC president also dismissed concerns that the spiralling cost and corruption allegations around the construction of the venues and infrastructure, would damage the IOC's image.
You’ve hit your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app