The 2014 Winter Olympic Games host Russia yesterday vowed to step up security in Sochi and other sporting venues following a deadly Boston marathon attack that it described as a "big warning".
Security has been of paramount concern for Russia as it prepares to welcome sports fans from the world over to marquee events such as the Winter Games and the 2018 Football World Cup.
It is already hosting major attractions this summer with the World Athletics Championships in Moscow and the Universiade world student games in the Volga city of Kazan.
But the twin blasts in Boston underlined the risks for Russia as it put the finishing touches on extravagant preparation plans.u00a0The Russian interior ministry announced that it would step up security in Sochi as of June 1 — a full eight months before the Games begin.
ADVERTISEMENT