Sochi Winter Olympics chief Dmitry Chernyshenko has welcomed the praise given to him by the International Olympic Committee at the halfway mark of the Games, but insists that it is still premature.

The IOC is reported to have declared today that the Games' organisers have delivered on promises, with operations running smoothly and more enthusiasm among visiting fans than initially anticipated, with the Committee also satisfied with global broadcast ratings.

"We are modestly proud and satisfied with the achievements so far," Chernyshenko told Reuters. "But we are not relaxing. There are still many things to do until the end of the Games and the most exiting competitions are ahead.

"We hope that Russia will create the blueprint and new standards in efficiency and compactness of the Games."

Sales of tickets for the Sochi Winter Olympics exceeded one million earlier today, according to reports.