News agencies have always found a worthy candidate in Russia as being a source of important political, financial, economic and sports news. This country though is recognized for its unpredictable environment presently continues to provide significant feed to these news agencies primarily for its contribution in sports. Sports in Russia happen to be a major source of positive international exposure with it also being one of the favorite pastimes with the Russians.
Some of the sports that these sports news agencies really enjoy are the ones 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 plenty of glory.
Together with the end of the Soviet era, the country was required to go through several changes. These changes reflected inside the sports arena too. Football perhaps, was one of the games that was affected greatly from 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.
As the Soviet Union got separated 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 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 since they lost their government funding and were left in need of adequate sponsorship. Nevertheless, with changing times, football once more 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 pouring in, the Russian Premier League is attempting to get back its lost glory. Sports news agencies experienced a field day when Russia made its present felt once more within the Euro 2008 when they overcame Holland in the quarter final match.
Another sport that rose to great heights throughout the Soviet era was basketball. Since then itself, Russia has become a strong contender in this 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 amongst the Russians since the Soviet times as well. In keeping with its past success, ice hockey continues its dominance between the Russians, exporting 30 players to become part of the National Hockey League.
Sports news agencies also keep track of developments in the sports of tennis, chess and ice skating. Many time champions in the Winter Olympics, Russia has directed the game by generating some 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 are actually Russians. These Russians have gone on to 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.