News agencies have constantly found a worthy candidate in Russia as a source of important political, financial, economic and sports news. This country though is known for its volatile environment presently continues to provide significant feed to these 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 one of the favorite pastimes with the Russians.
A few 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 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 was required to go through several changes. These changes reflected inside the sports arena as well. Football perhaps, was one of the games which was affected greatly by this change. Up until the Soviet era, it was one of the most popular and also the most successful of all the sports which 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 variety of its members to that change. Some of the premier clubs also dwindled as they lost their government funding and were left in need of adequate sponsorship. However, with changing times, football yet again emerged as being 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 get back its lost glory. Sports news agencies experienced a field day when Russia made its present felt once more within the Euro 2008 after they overcame Holland in the quarter final match.
Yet another sport that rose to great heights during the Soviet era was basketball. Since then itself, Russia has been a strong contender in this particular sport, winning several championships. One of the most popular of them happen to be 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 since the Soviet times too. 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 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 also has a huge contribution from Russia. Some 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.