Russian PM wants all Sochi Games structures to be ready

The ‘Olympic Oval’ skating centre under construction in Sochi, Russia

Moscow - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev called for full implementation of sports constructions for the Sochi Winter Games.

“Of course, this issue cannot be discussed: the 2013 schedule should be implemented in full,” Medvedev said during a meeting about Sochi Winter Olympics test events Saturday, reports Xinhua.

In 2012, 44 sports facilities were put into operation. However, the construction of several facilities still lagged behind the schedule, he said.

The success of the Olympics and Russia’s prestige depended on the construction of Sochi facilities, Medvedev said, adding much preparation work should be done ahead of the Games.

“That is why the commissioning of sportive facilities and the infrastructure, as well as the test events is our strategic priority,” Itar-Tass news agency quoted Medvedev as saying.

According to the prime minister, the International Olympics Committee (IOC) gave positive assessment of the sports facilities which have been put into service. The sports venues should go through more serious tests in 2013, he added.

Under the motto of “Hot. Cool. Yours” the Sochi Games which features 98 medal events will open Feb 7, 2014 and run until Feb 23.