Strong majorities among Russians overall also believed it would help promote sports development ( 84 % ) and improve Russia 's reputation abroad ( 81 % ) -- .
The games have been mired in controversy over human rights and environmental and security concerns .
Strong majorities among Russians overall also believed it would help promote sports development ( 84 % ) and improve Russia 's reputation abroad ( 81 % ) -- although the games have been mired in controversy over human rights and environmental and security concerns .