Popular sports covered by Russian news agencies

News agencies have constantly found a worthy candidate in Russia as being 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 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 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 brought the Russians plenty of glory.

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 many games which was affected significantly by this change. Up until the Soviet era, it was one of the most popular and also the most successful of all of the sports which the Russians participated 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 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 as they lost their government funding and were left in want of adequate sponsorship. However, with changing times, football yet again emerged as being a popular sport amongst the Russians. Russia presently 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 more in the Euro 2008 when 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 become a strong contender in this particular sport, winning several championships. Amongst 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 been popular sport among the Russians ever since the Soviet times as well. In line 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 in the sports of tennis, chess and ice skating. Many time champions of the Winter Olympics, Russia has directed the game by producing 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 are actually Russians. These Russians have gone on to make their mark in this sport by winning major events covered by sports news agencies from around the globe like the Wimbledon, the Olympics, the Davis cup and many other such hallowed tennis championships.