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SOCHI, Russia -- IOC President Thomas Bach accused world leaders Tuesday of using the Sochi Olympics as a political platform "on the backs of the athletes," and of snubbing the games without even being invited. David Robertson Jersey . Three days before the opening of Russias first Winter Games, Bach used a hard-hitting speech to call out politicians for using the Olympics to make an "ostentatious gesture" serving their own agendas. Without naming any individuals, Bachs comments appeared directed at President Barack Obama and European politicians who have taken stands against Russias law banning gay "propaganda" among minors. The Olympics, Bach said, should not be "used as a stage for political dissent or for trying to score points in internal or external political contests." "Have the courage to address your disagreements in a peaceful direct political dialogue and not on the backs of the athletes," he said at a ceremony attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "People have a very good understanding of what it really means to single out the Olympic Games to make an ostentatious gesture which allegedly costs nothing but produces international headlines. "In the extreme, we had to see a few politicians whose contributions to the fight for a good cause consisted of publicly declining invitations they had not even received." The buildup to the Olympics has been overshadowed by Western criticism of the anti-gay law and Russias record on human rights and other issues, making Sochi among the most politically charged games in years. Obama and key European leaders are shunning the Olympics. Obama, in a clear message against the anti-gay laws, has sent a delegation to Sochi made up of three openly gay athletes -- tennis great Billie Jean King, 2006 Olympic hockey medallist Caitlin Cahow and figure skater Brian Boitano. For the first time since 2000, the U.S. delegation to an Olympics will not include a president, vice-president or first lady. Former Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano leads the delegation. German President Joachim Gauck and French President Francois Hollande are also not coming to Sochi. Neither is British Prime Minister David Cameron. Bach reiterated again that Putin had given the IOC assurances that the Olympic Charter would be upheld during the games and that homosexuals would not be discriminated against. Bach said Olympic values stand against any form of discrimination, including on grounds of sexual orientation. But he stressed the IOC must be "politically neutral without being apolitical" and that athletes must not use the Olympic Village and venues for "political demonstrations." The IOC has come under criticism for not doing more to fight the anti-gay law, but Bach said the committee was a sports organization with limited responsibilities. "We are not a supra-national government," he said. "We are not a superior world-parliament. We do not have a mandate to impose measures on sovereign states." Bachs speech was delivered at a ceremony marking the opening of the IOCs three-day session, or general assembly, ahead of the games. The Germans sharp comments marked a strong contrast with the relatively anodyne, diplomatic speeches of his predecessor, Jacques Rogge. Bach, winner of a fencing gold medal at the 1972 Olympics, was elected in September to succeed Rogge, who served for 12 years. Bach acknowledged there had been "a lot of skepticism in and outside the IOC" when Sochi was awarded the Olympics in 2007. "Now, seven years later, we can see that Sochi, that Russia has delivered," he said. Putin lauded the IOCs decision to bring the games to the Black Sea resort. "We realize what a difficult decision this was to hold the games in a city that barely had 10 to 15 per cent of the necessary infrastructure," he said. "You believed in us, you believed in the Russian character which can overcome all difficulties." "In the space of five years," Putin added, "we built world-class sports venues and city infrastructure that normally takes decades to build." Adam LaRoche Jersey . - The fiancee of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez is set to ask a judge to throw out allegations that she lied to a grand jury. Paul Konerko Jersey . A wide-eyed 18-year-old visiting North America for only the second time in his young life, Caboclo immediately noticed the "big tower" his new home is best known for. http://www.authenticbaseshopwhitesox.com/authentic-gordon-beckham-white-soxjersey/ . -- The Val-dOr Foreurs made it to the Memorial Cup semifinal thanks to their workhorse goaltender and their ability to hang around like a bad cold.Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, his assistant Jesus Perez and head of recruitment Paul Mitchell attended Republic of Ireland against the Netherlands on Friday to watch potential transfer targets. And Sky sources understand the most notable among them was the Dutch striker Vincent Janssen, who plays for AZ Alkmaar. Janssen was the top scorer in the Eredivisie last season with 27 goals at just 21 years old, and a new, young centre-forward is of priority to Spurs this summer. Mauricio Pochettino is keen to bolster his Tottenham squad Sources in the Netherlands have told Sky Sports News HQ that Janssen is of interest to a number of Premier League clubs, with Tottenham and Leicester among them, and Janssen is keen on a move to England.Pochettino, Perez and Mitchell were pictured sitting with Southampton striker Shane Longs agent Pat Dolan, whom they all knnow well and looks after a number of Republic of Ireland players. Mat Latos Jersey. Janssen scored an equalising penalty against England recently But they were primarily there to watch Janssen, who is a target for Spurs along with the Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi, whom Mitchell recently watched in the French Cup final, and Bournemouths Callum Wilson.Sky sources understand that Spurs also want to bolster further attacking-midfield, defensive-midfield and centre-back options in the next transfer window and the Dutch national team have other talented young players including Ajax midfielder Riechedly Bazoer. Also See: Late goal denies Rep of Ireland Spurs agree Wembley deal Batshuayi: Ill move after Euros Pleat talks Spurs, transfers, Alli China Jerseys Cheap Cheap Jerseys 2020 Cheap Jerseys Store Cheap Jerseys Store Jerseys NFL China Wholesale Jerseys 2018 Discount NFL Jerseys ' ' '