MOSCOW, July 5 (Xinhua) -- The victory of Sochi's Olympic bid proves Russia's growing power, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters Thursday.

    "Undoubtedly, this is the recognition of Russia's achievements in sport and beyond doubt, an act of appreciation of this country," Putin was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency as saying at the airport here, upon arrival from Guatemala city.

    "This was the recognition of Russia's growing possibilities, above all, in the economic sector and settlement of social tasks. That means doubtless support from an authoritative and independent international organization - the International Olympic Committee (IOC)," Putin said.

    "The preparation and organization of the Olympic Games in Sochi will give a powerful impetus to the development of Russia's south. I am absolutely confident that we shall hold the Olympic Games on the highest level," he said.

    "In the course of preparations for the Olympic Games we shall have to solve many problems of the infrastructure, including motorways, communications systems, solve ecological problems," Putin said. "Millions and millions of people will use all these before the Olympic Games and many years to follow," he added.

    "Great, but pleasant and constructive work lies ahead," the president stressed.

    Putin signed on Thursday a decree on preparations for the holding of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games and the 11th Winter Para-Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014, the Kremlin press service reported.

    IOC members voted on Thursday 51 to 47 in favor of the Russian Black Sea resort city of Sochi over Pyeong Chang after Salzburg had been eliminated in the first round.