News agencies have always found a worthy prospect in Russia as a way to obtain important political, financial, economic and sports news. This country though is recognized for its unpredictable environment presently continues to provide significant feed to news agencies primarily because of its contribution in sports. Sports in Russia happen to be a significant source of positive international exposure with it also being among the favorite pastimes of the Russians.
A few of the sports that these sports news agencies thrive on are those that revolve around 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 a number of 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 of the sports that the Russians participated in.
As the Soviet Union got divided into several smaller countries, the uniform football sports structure took a hit too. 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 variety of its members to this change. Some 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 once more emerged as a popular 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 trying to regain 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.
Yet another sport that rose to great heights during 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 among the Russians ever since the Soviet times as well. 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 of the Winter Olympics, Russia has led the game by producing a few 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 with 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.
