News agencies have always found a worthy prospect in Russia as a source of important political, financial, economic and sports news. This country though is known for its volatile environment currently 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 popular pastimes with 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 brought the Russians a lot of glory.
With the end of the Soviet era, the nation had to go through several changes. These changes reflected inside the sports arena as well. Football perhaps, was one of the games that was affected greatly by this change. Until the Soviet era, it had been one of the most popular and the most successful of all the sports that the Russians took part in.
Since the Soviet Union got divided into a number of 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 a 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 as they lost their government funding and were left in need of adequate sponsorship. Nevertheless, with changing times, football once more emerged as being a favorite sport within the Russians. Russia presently has 6 Premier League teams alongside its national football team.
With new finances and sponsorships flowing 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 more in the Euro 2008 after they overcame Holland in the quarter final match.
Yet 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. 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 become popular sport among 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 be a part of the National Hockey League.
Sports news agencies also monitor developments from the sports of tennis, chess and ice skating. Many time champions in the Winter Olympics, Russia has led the game by generating a few of the worlds best pair and ice dancing skaters.
Tennis has a huge contribution from Russia. Some of the worlds greatest mens and womens tennis champions have been 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 such as the Wimbledon, the Olympics, the Davis cup and many other such hallowed tennis championships.