Sports Minutes with Zia-ul Raushan

Wheelchair rugby isn’t just a sport — it’s a statement. And on this episode of Sports Minutes, we speak to Edgar Cheong and Sheikh Muhd Danial - two players and change makers driving Singapore’s adaptive sports scene. From spinal injuries to stadium lights, they share how resilience, creativity, and community fuel their lives both on and off the court. And with the Singlife Wheelchair Rugby Cup just around the corner, this is your front-row seat to the passion behind the play. FIND OUT MORE: www.singlife-wheelchair-rugby-cup-2025.eventbrite.sg Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

From leading Tanjong Pagar to stepping up with Lion City Sailors and earning his first Singapore caps, Akram Azman’s 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable. And on Sports Minutes, he reflects on the whirlwind start to the year - joining a title-chasing squad, adjusting to continental football, and making his mark on the national stage.  Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Ever so often, a footballer emerges who takes the game by storm. With talent and a winner’s mentality, they become the pride of club and country. In Singapore’s women’s football scene, one name stands out—Danelle Tan. At just 20, she’s won trophies with Borussia Dortmund, scored for the Lionesses, and now battles new challenges with Brisbane Roar. Speaking on the sidelines of the Roar's tour of the Lion City - where they will take on the WPL all-stars on 4 April - Danelle shares her journey, her aims and her aspirations. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/singapore-footballer-danelle-tan-wants-to-have-more-to-celebrate-at-brisbane-roar https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/danelle-tan-looks-to-get-up-to-speed-in-search-for-more-game-time-with-brisbane-roar Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg  

From almost hanging up his boots to hitting his best-ever goal tally—Ignatius Ang is having a season to remember. But despite his standout performances for Balestier Khalsa, a national team call-up still eludes him. And on Sports Minutes, we unpack the highs and lows of his journey—his resurgence on the pitch, the motivation he draws from coaching young players, and the reality of Singapore footballers juggling side hustles to secure their futures. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/motivated-by-his-trainees-balestier-khalsas-ignatius-ang-sets-career-best-goal-tally Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Netball Singapore is entering a bold new era. With Daniel Ho at the helm as CEO and Tara Steel leading the charge as head coach & technical director, the Vandas are gearing up for an action-packed 2025. And on Sports Minutes, we dive into their vision, the game plan for Singapore’s netball future, and what it will take to elevate the sport. From high-performance strategies to growing the netball community, this is the inside track on the next chapter of Singapore netball.  READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/netball-singapore-appoints-australian-tara-steel-as-national-head-coach-and-technical-director Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Despite a much-improved effort, Singapore had to settle for point in their Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong - lamenting TWO disallowed goals, and their barren run in finding the net, that has now seen the Lions' draw 4 blanks in their last 5 games. So where to from here for Ogura and co.? We hear from captain Hariss Harun, Ilhan Fandi and Deepanraj Ganesan on Sports Minutes. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/lion-hearted-singapore-draw-0-0-with-hong-kong-in-asian-cup-qualifier Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

A few days on since Singapore’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Nepal, and it seems like the rhetoric surrounding the National Team has changed for the worst - but is it really all doom and gloom? Perhaps not, with the news of a certain Perry Ng gaining his PR status, and a host of younger Lions making the step up. On today’s show we’ll hear from TWO players who could well and truly breath fresh life and add fresh blood to the Lions  - Perry Ng & Jordan Emaviwe. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/perry-ng-looks-forward-to-getting-singapore-citizenship-and-giving-back Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

With the 2025 Formula 1 season up and running, Sports Minutes is in conversation with 17-year-old Singaporean racer Kabir Anurag, part of the Alpine Development Team. He shares his journey—from the Winter Series to life with an F1 team, the sacrifices of living abroad, and balancing academics with racing. We also dive into Singapore’s support for motorsport talent and his road ahead. Buckle up for an inspiring ride! READ MORE:  https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/buoyed-by-strong-start-to-2025-singaporean-f4-driver-kabir-anurag-aiming-for-banner-campaign Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Forrest Li has officially thrown his hat into the ring in the contest for Singapore football’s top post - as the Football Association of Singapore confirmed that the election to decide the leaders of Singapore football will be held on 28 April 2025. So what next on the timeline to the extraordinary congress? And who could be in the running alongside Li? Deepanraj Ganesan weighs in on this - as well as the National Team's upcoming games, and the Singapore Cup fixtures gone by. READ MORE:  https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/billionaire-forrest-li-confirms-bid-to-become-singapore-football-chief https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/football-association-of-singapore-elections-to-be-held-on-april-28 Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Newcastle end their 70-year wait for silverware - clinching the English League Cup at the expense of Liverpool, beating them 2-1 at Wembley. And on Sports Minutes, we check in with two jubilant Geordies - Sazali Abdul Aziz & Terrence Ong - and lifelong Liverpool fan - Deborah Rowe - to find out what it means for both camps. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg