News agencies have always found a worthy prospect in Russia as being a way to obtain important political, financial, economic and sports news. This country though has been known for its unpredictable environment currently continues to provide significant feed to news agencies primarily because of its contribution in sports. Sports in Russia happen to be a major source of positive international exposure with it also being among the popular pastimes with the Russians.
A few of the sports that 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 all 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 nation had to go through a number of changes. These changes reflected in the sports arena as well. Football perhaps, was one of the games that was affected greatly by this change. Up until the Soviet era, it was one of the most popular and the most successful of all of the sports that the Russians took part in.
Since the Soviet Union got separated into a number of 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. 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 amongst the Russians. Russia now has six 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 again within the Euro 2008 when they defeated Holland in the quarter final match.
Yet another sport that rose to great heights throughout 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 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 keeping 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 keep track of developments from the sports of tennis, chess and ice skating. Many time champions of the Winter Olympics, Russia has directed the sport by producing some of the worlds best pair and ice dancing skaters.
Tennis has had 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 with 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 several other such hallowed tennis championships.