News agencies have constantly found a worthy prospect in Russia as 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 because of its contribution in sports. Sports in Russia have been a significant source of positive international exposure with it also being among 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 brought the Russians a lot of glory.
Together with the end of the Soviet era, the nation had to undergo a number of changes. These changes reflected in the sports arena as well. Football perhaps, was one of many games which was affected greatly by this change. Up until the Soviet era, it had been one of the most popular and the most successful of all the sports which the Russians took part in.
As the Soviet Union got divided into a number of smaller countries, the uniform football sports structure took a hit as well. With national teams and clubs becoming 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. 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 yet again emerged as being a popular sport within 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 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 when 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 the ULEB cup. Giving basketball competition in popularity is ice hockey. Ice Hockey has become popular sport amongst the Russians since the Soviet times too. In line with its past success, ice hockey continues its dominance between 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 in the Winter Olympics, Russia has led the game by producing a few 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 have been 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 several other such hallowed tennis championships.