Sports Minutes with Zia-ul Raushan

Manchester United legend and 13-time Premier League winner Ryan Giggs steps into the Sports Minutes hot seat - reflecting on his illustrious career, Sir Alex Ferguson’s enduring legacy, and the frustration of watching rivals Liverpool rise while his beloved Red Devils struggle to reclaim their former glory. But could Ruben Amorim be the man to turn things around at Old Trafford? Tune in to find out! READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/even-alex-ferguson-would-struggle-at-manchester-united-now-ryan-giggs Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

On a SIX-match winning streak in the league, with a SIX-point advantage at the top and a game in hand - the Lion City Sailors are gaining momentum in their pursuit of being crowned champions of the 24/25 Singapore Premier League season. But could the upcoming midweek clash against second-placed BG Tampines Rovers throw a spanner in the works? Deepanraj Ganesan weighs in, and reviews the rest of the action from MD26. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/lion-city-sailors-put-on-five-star-showing-for-third-victory-in-eight-days Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

What would you sacrifice for a dream? For Singaporean boxer Danisha, the answer was everything — breaking a scholarship bond, leaving a stable healthcare career, and stepping into the unknown, all for the love of boxing. And she’s not just chasing medals — she’s fighting for the flag, and fighting to make history. As Singapore’s first boxer in decades to qualify for the Asian Games, Danisha Mathialagan now has her sights set on more. Tune in to hear her incredible journey of grit and glory. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/combat-sports/singapore-boxer-danisha-mathialagan-sacrifices-full-time-job-as-she-eyes-sea-games-medal-in-2025 Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore’s premier pro wrestling promotion, Grapplemax, is making history with Causeway Jam—a high-octane showdown featuring top talent from both sides of the border. In this episode, co-founder and CEO Greg Ho shares Grapplemax’s journey, its commitment to accessibility, and how it’s shaping the local wrestling scene. We dive into the inspiration behind Causeway Jam, the rivalries to watch, and what first-time fans can expect. Could this be the beginning of a larger regional wrestling circuit?  Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Another week, another VAR debacle. Why does this keep happening in Singapore football, and what can be done to ensure accountability? Plus, could Forrest Li truly be in the running to become FAS President? Deepanraj Ganesan and Zia-ul Raushan get stuck in on Sports Minutes. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/billionaire-forrest-li-seriously-considering-a-run-for-presidency-of-football-association-of Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Matt Silva has enjoyed a globetrotting football journey, playing in Canada, Sweden, Portugal, the Philippines, and now Singapore. The 32-year-old recently joined Tanjong Pagar United in the Singapore Premier League and was handed the captain’s armband on his debut. So how did this move came about, what it’s like working under legendary coach Noh Alam Shah, and what are the challenges of adapting to a new league. And could Singapore become more than just another pitstop on his football adventure? The custodian and captain of the Jaguars, Matt Silva, tells all on Sports Minutes. READ MORE:  https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/tanjong-pagar-united-to-count-on-matt-silva-to-avoid-spl-wooden-spoon Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

On Monday, 10 February 2025  - a video filmed by a member of the public emerged, showing an altercation in the aftermath a Singapore Premier League Under-21 game between Tanjong Pagar United and Albirex Niigata. A police statement has since confirmed that a 19-year-old man has been arrested for public nuisance and is being investigated for voluntarily causing hurt, while a 20-year-old man was conveyed conscious to the hospital on the night of the incident before being discharged the day after on Tuesday, 11 February 2025. Deepanraj Ganesan, sports reporter with The Straits Times, sits down with Sports Minutes to tell us more. READ MORE:  https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/19-year-old-footballer-arrested-after-punching-incident-at-singapore-premier-league-under-21-match Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Ryhan Stewart rescued a point late on for 10-men Albirex Niigata in their match against Geylang International, but it wasn't the goal that has garnered the headlines - but instead it was his celebration and post-match 'antics'. Was Ryhan right to celebrate in the manner that he did? We discuss that and all the rest of the headlines from MD25 in the Singapore Premier League - in the company of Deepanraj Ganesan. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/ryhan-stewart-clips-the-eagles-wings-with-stoppage-time-equaliser-for-albirex-niigata-in-spl Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

"Coldest move ever!" That’s how NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh described the blockbuster trade sending Luka Dončić to the LA Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. But which team got the better deal the deal? Speaking on the sidelines of the launch event of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational here in Singapore, the 2-time champion shares his thoughts on Sports Minutes. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/basketball/luka-doncic-trade-to-la-lakers-gives-nba-much-needed-shake-up-says-chris-bosh Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Everyone has opinions on how to revive Singapore football. But the power to make real change lies with a select few—one of them being the General Secretary of the Football Association of Singapore. After seven years in the role, Yazeen Buhari stepped down in November 2024, handing the reins to Chew Chun-Liang. But what does the job really involve? And how will Chun-Liang’s experiences as Lion City Sailors CEO and in the public service shape his approach? He shares his plans on Sports Minutes. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg