News agencies have always found a worthy prospect in Russia as being a source of important political, financial, economic and sports news. This country though is recognized for its volatile environment presently continues to provide significant feed to news agencies primarily because of its contribution in sports. Sports in Russia have been a major source of positive international exposure with it also being among the favorite pastimes of the Russians.
A few of the sports these sports news agencies really enjoy are those that surround the sports of rhythmic gymnastics, chess, football, basketball, ice hockey, ice skating and tennis. Of these games, basketball, ice hockey, tennis and chess have helped bring the Russians a lot of glory.
With the end of the Soviet era, the country was required to undergo several changes. These changes reflected inside the sports arena as well. Football win-every-time perhaps, was one of the games that was affected greatly by this change. Until the Soviet era, it was probably the most popular and also the most successful of all of the sports which the Russians took part in.
Since the Soviet Union got divided into several smaller countries, the uniform football sports structure took a hit too. With national teams and clubs becoming private enterprises, the Russian team as a part of the Russian Premier League was affected rather badly. This league was at par with its European contemporaries lost a number of its members to that change. A few of the premier clubs also dwindled since they lost their government funding and were left in need of adequate sponsorship. Nevertheless, with changing times, football yet again emerged as a favorite sport within the Russians. Russia presently has six Premier League teams alongside its national football team.
With new finances and sponsorships pouring in, the Russian Premier League is attempting to get back its lost glory. Sports news agencies had a field day when Russia made its present felt once again within the Euro 2008 after they defeated Holland in the quarter final match.
Yet another sport that rose to great heights during the Soviet era was basketball. Since then itself, Russia has been a strong contender in this sport, winning several championships. Amongst the most popular of them happen to be the Olympics, Basketball World Championships, The Eurobasket and also the ULEB cup. Giving basketball competition in popularity is ice hockey. Ice Hockey has been popular sport among the Russians ever since the Soviet times too. In line with its past success, ice hockey continues its dominance between the Russians, exporting 30 players to become part of the National Hockey League.
Sports news agencies also keep track of developments in the sports of tennis, chess and ice skating. Many time champions of the Winter Olympics, Russia has directed the sport by producing some of the worlds best pair and ice dancing skaters.
Tennis has had a huge contribution from Russia. Some of the worlds greatest mens and womens tennis champions are actually Russians. These Russians have gone onto make their mark in this sport by winning major events covered by sports news agencies from around the globe such as the Wimbledon, the Olympics, the Davis cup and several other such hallowed tennis championships.
