News agencies have constantly found a worthy prospect in Russia as being a source of important political, financial, economic and sports news. This country though has been recognized for its volatile environment presently continues to provide significant feed to news agencies primarily because of its contribution in sports. Sports in Russia happen to be a major source of positive international exposure with it also being one of the favorite pastimes of the Russians.
Some of the sports that these sports news agencies thrive on are the ones that surround the sports of rhythmic gymnastics, chess, football, basketball, ice hockey, ice skating and tennis. Of all these games, basketball, ice hockey, tennis and chess have brought the Russians plenty of glory.
Together with the end of the Soviet era, the country had to undergo a number of changes. These changes reflected in the sports arena as well. Football perhaps, was one of many games which was affected significantly from this change. Up until the Soviet era, it was probably the most popular and the most successful of all the sports that the Russians participated in.
Since the Soviet Union got divided into several smaller countries, the uniform football sports structure took a hit as well. With national teams and clubs turning into private enterprises, the Russian team as 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 this change. Some of the premier clubs also dwindled as they lost their government funding and were left in need of adequate sponsorship. However, with changing times, football once more emerged as a popular sport amongst the Russians. Russia presently has 6 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 experienced a field day when Russia made its present felt once again in the Euro 2008 when they defeated Holland in the quarter final match.
Another sport that rose to great heights during the Soviet era was basketball. Since that time itself, Russia has become a strong contender in this particular sport, winning several championships. Amongst the most popular of them have been 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 amongst 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 monitor developments in the sports of tennis, chess and ice skating. Many time champions in the Winter Olympics, Russia has directed the sport by producing some of the worlds best pair and ice dancing skaters.
Tennis also has 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 many other such hallowed tennis championships.
