News agencies have constantly 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 volatile environment currently continues to provide significant feed to news agencies primarily for its contribution in sports. Sports in Russia have been a major source of positive international exposure with it also being among the favorite pastimes with the Russians.
Some of the sports 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 these games, basketball, ice hockey, tennis and chess have brought the Russians plenty of glory.
Together with the end of the Soviet era, the nation was required to go through several changes. These changes reflected in the sports arena too. Football win-every-time perhaps, was one of the games that was affected greatly by this change. Until the Soviet era, it was one of the most popular and also the most successful of all of the sports which the Russians participated 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 becoming 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 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. Nevertheless, with changing times, football yet again emerged as a favorite sport within 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 trying to regain its lost glory. Sports news agencies had a field day when Russia made its present felt once again within the Euro 2008 after they overcame 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 been 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 also 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 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 directed the sport by generating a few of the worlds best pair and ice dancing skaters.
Tennis also has a huge contribution from Russia. A number of the worlds greatest mens and womens tennis champions have been Russians. These Russians have gone on to make their mark in this sport by winning major events covered by sports news agencies from across the world like the Wimbledon, the Olympics, the Davis cup and several other such hallowed tennis championships.
