Russia's sports market should grow - Zhukov

SOCHI, March 27 (Itar-Tass) -- Russia's market of sports industry has
grown by six times from 2000, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister and President
of the national Olympic Committee Alexander Zhukov said.
For most countries, financial independence of sports becomes a
priority, he said.
"Annual turnover of the international sports industry makes 20 billion
dollars, and in future it will grow only," Zhukov said. "Russia's market
of sports goods grew by six times from 2000 through to 2008 and reaches
about four billion dollars."
With the upcoming major international sports events, which Russia will
host in the coming years, "we face plans to improve sports industry, as
this is not only sports, but economic projects."
"Sports do not mean shows only, but big money, too, and we should know
how to earn it."