News agencies have constantly found a worthy prospect in Russia as being a way to obtain important political, financial, economic and sports news. This country though is recognized 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 popular pastimes with the Russians.
Some of the sports these sports news agencies thrive on 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 undergo several changes. These changes reflected in the sports arena as well. Football win-every-time perhaps, was one of many games that was affected significantly by this change. Up until the Soviet era, it had been probably the most popular and also the most successful of all the sports that the Russians took part 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 becoming 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 want of adequate sponsorship. However, with changing times, football once more emerged as a popular sport amongst 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 again within the Euro 2008 after they defeated Holland in the quarter final match.
Another sport that rose to great heights throughout the Soviet era was basketball. Since then itself, Russia has been a strong contender in this sport, winning several championships. One of 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 become popular sport amongst the Russians ever since the Soviet times too. 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 keep track of developments from the sports of tennis, chess and ice skating. Many time champions in the Winter Olympics, Russia has led the game by generating some of the worlds best pair and ice dancing skaters.
Tennis also has had a huge contribution from Russia. Some of the worlds greatest mens and womens tennis champions have been 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.