Sports in Russia

Many sports are popular in Russia. They are: hockey, soccer, weightlifting, track and field, tennis, basketball, volleyball, boxing, figure-skating, cross-country skiing, swimming, judo and shooting. All these sports have their strong supporters. In our country much attention is paid to organised sports and this shouldn't overshadow the many sporting activities which are a part of daily Russian life. Most Russians who grow up in the North, grow with outdoor winter sports and activities. Skating is a wide-spread activity. There are many skating rinks in the cities.

Fishing is extremely popular in all parts of Russia. All water sports and activities are very popular, including swimming, diving, sailing, water skiing, canoeing. There are many stadiums and public sports facilities in Russia. Numerous national and international matches and competitions are regularly held in Russia. They attract large numbers of fans. Most of the important games are televised live.

There is an enormous amount of live broadcasting of all different types of sports events, professional and amateur at national and international levels.

The Russians are not only sports fans. They take an active part in all sports and sports activities.

The former Soviet Union, which relied heavily on Russian athletes, has won more medals than any other team in all but two Summer Olympics since 1956. At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics the United Team, representing the former Soviet Republics won 45 gold medals. At the last Olympics of the 20th century which were held in Nagano, Russia was represented by the delegation of 126 sportsmen. Russian hockey players, skiers, biathlonists and ice figure skaters are still the best at winter sports.