He was speaking shortly after his arrival ahead of the Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony this afternoon where he will become the first Russian, and second person overall, to carry the Olympic Torch.

Laws introduced into the Russian Parliament which outlawed "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" has resulted in a string of gay rights protests amid fears that athletes and spectators could be targeted during the Games.

Yet, despite the tiring nature of his brief break from preparations for the National Hockey League (NHL) season with his club side the Washington Capitals, Ovechkin was on fine fettle in downplaying the validity of these fears.

"I'm a hockey player not a politician so I'm not the best person to talk about it," he said.

"But I don't think it will be an issue during the Games.

"I've been in Sochi a couple of times before and it is an unbelievable city with lots of security.

"I am sure that during the Olympics nothing dangerous will happen and it will be safe for everyone attending."

Since joining the Capitals in 2005 Ovechkin has become a major international star in the sport.

Yet despite his two World Championship titles he has never won an Olympic medal in his two previous attempts.

This is something he would like to put right next year as he explained the challenges, but also the excitement, which lies ahead.

Alex Ovechkin, here celebrating after Russia's 5-4 overtime victory over Canada to win the gold medal at the 2008 World Championships in Quebec City, will be hoping for more of the same in Sochi




"Canada, USA and Sweden will all be very strong but we will play our game and take advantage of home support to see what we can do," said Ovechkin. 

"The Olympics is different because it is a shorter tournament so there is no time to make mistakes.

"To be in the Olympic Village and to see other athletes and to spend time with them and make new friends is an amazing experience which I have hugely enjoyed in my two previous games."

For now however his focus is upon the Torch Relay and, as he smiled and laughed his way through a series of questions in both Russian and English, it was clear just how genuine his excitement is.

"It is a big one for me and my family," he said.

"I am happy to represent my country, and happy for Sochi and for all the companies for supporting me and giving me the opportunity to come here.

"It will be hard work but I am excited to be here and it will be something for me to tell my kids and grandkids"

With his rather toothless smile revealing the nature of his trade, Ovechkin laughed off tongue-in-cheek suggestions that his combat skills acquired over a career on the ice would be necessary during the Relay.

"No one is going to hit me and I will smile and remember the day for the rest of my life," he said.