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 currently continues to provide significant feed to these news agencies primarily because of its contribution in sports. Sports in Russia have been a significant source of positive international exposure with it also being one of the favorite pastimes of the Russians.
A few of the sports that 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 all these games, basketball, ice hockey, tennis and chess have helped bring the Russians plenty of glory.
Together with the end of the Soviet era, the nation had to undergo several changes. These changes reflected inside the sports arena too. Football perhaps, was one of many games that was affected greatly from this change. Up until the Soviet era, it was one of the most popular and also the most successful of all 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 as well. With national teams and clubs becoming 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 variety of its members to that change. A few 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 favorite sport within the Russians. Russia now has six Premier League teams alongside its national football team.
With new finances and sponsorships flowing in, the Russian Premier League is attempting to regain its lost glory. Sports news agencies experienced a field day when Russia made its present felt once more in the Euro 2008 after they defeated Holland in the quarter final match.
Another sport that rose to great heights throughout the Soviet era was basketball. Since that time itself, Russia has become a strong contender in this sport, winning several championships. Amongst the most popular of them have been the Olympics, Basketball World Championships, The Eurobasket and the ULEB cup. Giving basketball competition in popularity is ice hockey. Ice Hockey has become popular sport among the Russians ever since the Soviet times as well. 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 game by generating some of the worlds best pair and ice dancing skaters.
Tennis also has had a huge contribution from Russia. A number of the worlds greatest mens and womens tennis champions are actually Russians. These Russians have gone on to make their mark with this sport by winning major events covered by sports news agencies from around the globe like the Wimbledon, the Olympics, the Davis cup and several other such hallowed tennis championships.
