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 news agencies primarily for its contribution in sports. Sports in Russia happen to be a significant source of positive international exposure with it also being among the popular pastimes with the Russians.
Some 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 helped bring the Russians a lot of glory.
With the end of the Soviet era, the nation had to go through a number of changes. These changes reflected inside the sports arena as well. Football perhaps, was one of the games that was affected significantly from this change. Until the Soviet era, it had been probably the most popular and also the most successful of all of the sports which the Russians participated in.
As the Soviet Union got divided 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 number of its members to that change. A few of the premier clubs also dwindled as they lost their government funding and were left in want of adequate sponsorship. Nevertheless, with changing times, football once more 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 experienced a field day when Russia made its present felt once again in the Euro 2008 after 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 become a strong contender in this sport, winning several championships. One of the most popular of them have been 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 since the Soviet times as well. In line 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 in the sports of tennis, chess and ice skating. Many time champions in the Winter Olympics, Russia has led the sport by producing some 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 are actually Russians. These Russians have gone onto make their mark in 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.
