Sports Minutes with Zia-ul Raushan

History has been made. The Lion City Sailors are the first Singapore football club to reach the final of a continental competition.And on this episode of Sports Minutes, we relive the momentous night in Sydney, where the Sailors lost 1-0 but still punched their ticket to the Asian Champions League Two final with a 2-1 aggregate win. What does this means for Singapore football, and is the dream treble still alive for the Sailors? Tune in as we hear from captain Hariss Harun, head coach Aleksandar Rankovic and Deepanraj Ganesan. READ MORE: Lion City Sailors reach historic Asian Champions League Two final Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

SIX POINTS from their remaining SIX games, that’s all that stands in the way of Liverpool and the Premier League Title. But how have the Reds gone from the uncertainty of life after Jurgen Klopp to being on the cusp of coronation under Arr-neh Slot? Former Red John Arne Riise is in the Sports Minutes hot seat to tell us more. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Bernard Tan, the outgoing president of the Football Association of Singapore, reflects on his tenure at the helm - marked by both significant efforts and heavy criticism. He explains his decision not to seek re-election, explores the highs and discusses the lessons learnt from the lows. So was he the right man at the wrong time, or was he the wrong man regardless of the time? Tune in and decide for yourself. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/letting-go-is-not-so-easy-football-association-of-singapore-chief-bernard-tan-will-not-run-for Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

The Lion City Sailors took a big step towards the AFC Champions League Two final with a first leg 2-0 win over Sydney FC at a rain-soaked Jalan Besar. And on this star-studded edition of Sports Minutes - Bart Ramselaar & Bailey Wright weigh in on the team’s form and focus. Adam Swandi adds a dash of swagger reflecting on his former team's heroics, while The Straits Times’ Deepanraj Ganesan breaks down the significance of the result Could an unprecedented treble truly be a possibility? You best believe it! READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/lion-city-sailors-beat-sydney-fc-2-0-in-asian-champions-league-two-semi-final-first-leg Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

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