Popular sports covered by Russian news agencies
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 volatile environment presently continues to provide significant feed to these 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 one of the favorite pastimes of the Russians.
A few 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 all these games, basketball, ice hockey, tennis and chess have helped bring the Russians a lot of glory.
Together with the end of the Soviet era, the country had to undergo a number of changes. These changes reflected in 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 had been probably the most popular and the most successful of all of the sports which the Russians participated in.
Since the Soviet Union got divided into several smaller countries, the uniform football sports structure took a hit too. 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 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. However, with changing times, football once more emerged as being a popular 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 attempting to regain 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 throughout the Soviet era was basketball. Since then itself, Russia has become a strong contender in this sport, winning several championships. Amongst 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 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 thirty 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 a few 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 have been Russians. These Russians have gone onto make their mark with this sport by winning major events covered by sports news agencies from around the globe like the Wimbledon, the Olympics, the Davis cup and several other such hallowed tennis championships.