New | ‘Epic’ Olympics opening ceremony a triumph for Putin, says world’s press
Newspapers praise the opening ceremony at the Sochi Winter Olympics, but some voice reservations over costs and human rights
The world’s press hailed the opening ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics as a triumph and show of power for Russian President Vladimir Putin seeking to showcase the post-Soviet revival of the former superpower.
Despite an embarrassing technical glitch at the start, there was general praise for the dazzling spectacle in the Black Sea resort, along with a dose of criticism over these Games’ unprecedented price tag of US$50 billion and the host country’s human rights record.
“A swaggering, resurgent Russia turned its Winter Olympic aspirations into reality,” wrote the New York Times.
“A swaggering, resurgent Russia turned its Winter Olympic aspirations into reality.”
The stunning show of light that whisked spectators through centuries of Russian history was “epic,” said the Sydney Morning Herald, its “scale bordered on the colossal,” according to the Washington Post, a “gasp-inducing, visual journey,” according to The Daily Telegraph.
“The opening ceremony is a big moment to let the president, under the spotlight, stress the revival of the great nation,” wrote Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun.
“For Russia last night it marked its revival as a post-Soviet powerhouse, confident of its seat at the top table after two decades of doubt and despondency,” wrote Jonathan McEvoy in Britain’s Daily Mail.
