Sixty-five world leaders expected in Sochi

Organisers of the 2014 Winter Olympics have claimed that they are expecting to host a record-breaking 65 world leaders for the Games in Sochi.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, head of the Sochi organizing committee, quoted that figure to the IOC on Thursday ahead of the opening ceremony.

Should the prediction be accurate, there will be three times as many heads of state, or government or international organisations, in attendance at Russia's first Winter Olympics than there were at Vancouver 2010.

However, fears over security have deterred many high-profile dignitaries from making the trip, including President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 3pm GMT.