News agencies have always found a worthy candidate in Russia as a source of important political, financial, economic and sports news. This country though has been known for its volatile environment currently continues to provide significant feed to these 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 one of the favorite pastimes with the Russians.
A few of the sports 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 these games, basketball, ice hockey, tennis and chess have brought the Russians plenty of glory.
Together with the end of the Soviet era, the country was required to go through a number of changes. These changes reflected inside the sports arena too. Football perhaps, was one of the games that was affected significantly from this change. Until the Soviet era, it was one of the most popular and the most successful of all of the sports which the Russians participated in.
Since the Soviet Union got separated into several 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 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. A few 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 yet again emerged as a popular sport within 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 trying to get back its lost glory. Sports news agencies had a field day when Russia made its present felt once again within the Euro 2008 after they defeated 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 become a strong contender in this particular sport, winning several championships. Amongst 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 keeping 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 from the sports of tennis, chess and ice skating. Many time champions of the Winter Olympics, Russia has directed 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 on to make their mark in 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.