There are many athletes deserving to light the main Olympic flame, and this is not the president's choice who will be selected for that task, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.

"I don't intervene in that process," Putin told reporters upon his arrival to Sochi where the 22nd Winter Games are to start on February 7.

Putin said he personally did not have a desire to light the Olympic flame at the Fisht arena.

"I am just a fan," he said.

Meanwhile, Putin noted improvement "in general" of environmental situation in that Black Sea resort, mentioning in particular restoration of population of Asian leopard in Sochi natural reserve.

The Winter Olympic Games will be held in Sochi on February 7-23.