Favorite sports covered by Russian news agencies
News agencies have constantly found a worthy candidate in Russia as a source of important political, financial, economic and sports news. This country though has been known for its volatile environment presently continues to provide significant feed to these news agencies primarily for its contribution in sports. Sports in Russia have been a major source of positive international exposure with it also being one of the favorite 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 these games, basketball, ice hockey, tennis and chess have helped bring the Russians plenty of glory.
With the end of the Soviet era, the country had to undergo several changes. These changes reflected inside 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 was probably the most popular and the most successful of all of the sports that the Russians took part in.
As 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 number of its members to that change. Some of the premier clubs also dwindled since they lost their government funding and were left in want of adequate sponsorship. However, with changing times, football once more emerged as a favorite sport within 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 attempting to regain its lost glory. Sports news agencies had a field day when Russia made its present felt once more in the Euro 2008 when they defeated 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 particular sport, winning several championships. Amongst the most popular of them have been 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 keeping 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 sport by generating some of the worlds best pair and ice dancing skaters.
Tennis has had a huge contribution from Russia. A number of the worlds greatest mens and womens tennis champions are actually Russians. These Russians have gone on to 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 many other such hallowed tennis championships.