News agencies have always found a worthy prospect in Russia as a source of important political, financial, economic and sports news. This country though has been recognized for its unpredictable environment presently continues to provide significant feed to 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 popular pastimes of the Russians.
Some of the sports that these sports news agencies really enjoy are those that revolve around 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 go through several changes. These changes reflected inside the sports arena too. Football perhaps, was one of the games which was affected greatly by this change. Up until the Soviet era, it was probably the most popular and the most successful of all of the sports which the Russians took part in.
As the Soviet Union got divided into a number of smaller countries, the uniform football sports structure took a hit too. 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. Some of the premier clubs also dwindled since they lost their government funding and were left in want of adequate sponsorship. However, with changing times, football yet again emerged as being a popular sport amongst the Russians. Russia now has 6 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 had a field day when Russia made its present felt once more in the Euro 2008 after they overcame 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 been a strong contender in this sport, winning several championships. One of the most popular of them happen to be the Olympics, Basketball World Championships, The Eurobasket and 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 amongst 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 of the Winter Olympics, Russia has directed the sport by generating 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 with this sport by winning major events covered by sports news agencies from across the world like the Wimbledon, the Olympics, the Davis cup and many other such hallowed tennis championships.
