Sports: Olympics a vote for new Russia

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Moscow, July 5 : President Vladimir Putin has claimed Sochi's victory in the race to host the 2014 Winter Olympics as an international endorsement of Russia's economic resurgence.

Putin, ardent skier and owner of a holiday home not far from the Black Sea resort, had given the bid vocal support and spent two days lobbying IOC members in Guatemala before the vote.

''This is, without doubt, not just a recognition of Russia's sporting achievements but it is, beyond any doubt, a judgement on our country,'' he said today, moments after returning to Moscow.

''It is a recognition of our growing capability, first of all economically and socially.'' Since he was first elected in 2000, Putin has overseen a strong economic recovery and helped restore Russia's weight in international affairs.

Sochi beat Austria's Salzburg and the South Korean city of Pyeongchang.

Reuters>