(Image source from: Google doodling for gay rights in Sochi Olympics})

As the XXII Olympic Winter Games skates off to a grand start in Sochi today, Google has doodled a band of colors in support of the LGBT community in Russia, where caustic anti-gay laws have attracted more heat than light.

The Google Doodle that parades an array of players cutting up different poses links you to an interesting Olympic Charter message that reads: “The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play - Olympic Charter.”

The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics that officially kicks off from today at the Fisht Olympic Stadium will run until 23 February. The Winter Paralympics has been scheduled between 7-16 March.

Google's anti-gay rights gesture has been lauded by all and has drawn a wad of approving reactions. "Good on you Google", says TechCrunch, while pro gay rights site Towler road said, 'well played'.

But mind you, Google is not the only one to champion for the LGBT community in an innovative way.

Earlier this week, Scottish brewery BrewDog had come up with an ingenious ad lampooning the anti-gay laws in Russia, the major bone of contention in the Sochi Winter Olympics.

AW: Suchorita Choudhury

#sochiwinterolympics2014