Popular sports covered by Russian news agencies

News agencies have always 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 unpredictable environment currently continues to provide significant feed to these news agencies primarily for its contribution in sports. Sports in Russia happen to be a significant source of positive international exposure with it also being among the popular pastimes with the Russians.

Some 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 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 several changes. These changes reflected in the sports arena as well. Football perhaps, was one of many games that was affected greatly from this change. Until the Soviet era, it had been one of the most popular and the most successful of all the sports that the Russians took part in.

Since 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 a 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 this change. Some of the premier clubs also dwindled as they lost their government funding and were left in want of adequate sponsorship. Nevertheless, with changing times, football once more emerged as being a popular sport amongst the Russians. Russia presently has 6 Premier League teams alongside its national football team.

With new finances and sponsorships flowing in, the Russian Premier League is trying 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 defeated Holland in the quarter final match.

Yet another sport that rose to great heights throughout the Soviet era was basketball. Since that time 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 become popular sport amongst the Russians since the Soviet times as well. 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 monitor developments from the sports of tennis, chess and ice skating. Many time champions of the Winter Olympics, Russia has led the game by generating 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 have been 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 several other such hallowed tennis championships.