Sochi Winter Olympics preparations are on, says Putin

Moscow, May 12 (IANS) Preparations for the 2014 Winter Olympics in the Black Sea resort of Sochi are right on course as scheduled, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Much has been done, so that preparations go according to the schedule," Putin told a meeting devoted to the Sochi Olympics.

"Before the Olympics, we will hold 47 test events, half of which are at the international level."

The president named the construction of arenas for hockey and figure skating, skiing and biathlon tracks, skating center and bobsleigh track as priorities, reported Xinhua.

He called it "unacceptable" to shift the deadlines for the construction.

"All obligations (of the contractors) must be fulfilled in time," Putin demanded, warning that he would have a tougher talk with the contractors behind the doors.

For the Sochi Olympics, 532 sporting venues need be built and 135 of them are planned to be completed in 2012.

The Sochi Winter Olympics will take place Feb 7-23, 2014.