Hard Tackle

The Straits Times
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SPORTS NEWS

Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month.  Podcaster: Deepanraj Ganesan Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis & The Straits Times, SPH Media Trust.

  1. Explore The Straits Times’ podcasts

    06/19/2025

    Explore The Straits Times’ podcasts

    Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week. Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers Almost every weekday, check out our discussions on Singapore current affairs and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career. Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST’s app, which has a dedicated podcast player section. Trailer narrated by: Podcast editor Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg); edited by: Elsa Goh --- Discover more ST podcast channels: 'All-in-one' ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Headstart On Record: https://str.sg/wB2m Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt Wheel Insights: https://str.sg/iTtE ST Podcasts website: https://www.straitstimes.com/st-podcasts (*New) The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Special edition series: Green Trails (4 eps): https://str.sg/bMyx This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 on April 23, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra). True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2024 in April, and third place for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2024, both organised by Wan-Ifra. The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 This series also won The Best Podcast/Digital Audio Project category at the 2022 Digital Media Awards Asia, organised by Wan-Ifra. Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #stpodcasttr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    3 min
  2. What is working in F1’s Red Bull Racing team like?

    09/10/2024

    What is working in F1’s Red Bull Racing team like?

    Two Singaporeans share their experiences working for Red Bull racing. Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month.  The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix returns on Sept 22 when fans here witness exhilarating action over 62 laps of the 4.94-kilometre Marina Bay Street Circuit. And while the title race between Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris heats up on track, The Straits Times’ Hard Tackle revs up for the race weekend by learning more about what happens behind the scenes at a F1 team.  In this episode, sports reporter Deepanraj Ganesan is joined by Singaporeans Charis Chua and Heng Yi-Hsin, students from Nanyang Technological University who look back on their 2½-month stint with Red Bull Racing and look ahead to the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.   Highlights (click/tap above): 5:30 Finding out about winning the internship challenge to work for Red Bull Racing   7:45 What Yi-Hsin and Chua did during their stints with RB  11:25 Why Formula 1 is more than just about fast cars and the famous drivers  13:30 The standout moments from the internship with RB  18:30 Looking ahead to 2024 Singapore Grand Prix Read: https://str.sg/LtoJ Follow Deepanraj Ganesan on X: https://str.sg/wtra Read his articles: https://str.sg/ip4G Catch visual snippets of the podcast from ST's sports Instagram page: https://str.sg/vn2F Produced by: Deepanraj Ganesan (gdeepan@sph.com.sg) and Amirul Karim Edited by: Amirul Karim  Follow Hard Tackle every month here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWRE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRa Spotify: https://str.sg/JW6N Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #hardtackle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  3. A look back at Paris Olympics 2024 with Max Maeder

    08/13/2024

    A look back at Paris Olympics 2024 with Max Maeder

    ST sports reporters and the SG bronze medalist look back at memorable moments in the Paris Olympics. Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month.  History was made on Aug 9, 2024, when kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder became Singapore’s youngest Olympic medallist after he clinched a bronze in the Formula Kite event. In this episode, ST's sports reporter Deepanraj Ganesan is joined by assistant sports editor Rohit Brijnath and sports correspondent Kimberly Kwek for a look back on that historic moment while also assessing the Paris Games as a whole and Team Singapore’s overall performance.  We also bring you the full audio from ST’s conversation with Maximilian a day after his final race.   Highlights (click/tap above): 1:25 ST reporters talk about the mood on the ground at the Marseille Marina after Max won bronze  7:10 ST reporters discuss what is next for Max 15:25 Max surprised he has yet to receive negative messages 23:55 Max on why “connection” is the main takeaway from his debut Olympics Read: https://str.sg/AsCE Follow Deepanraj Ganesan on X: https://str.sg/wtra Read his articles: https://str.sg/ip4G Read Rohit Brijnath's articles: https://str.sg/wFu2 Read Kimberly Kwek's articles: https://str.sg/bWY9 Catch visual snippets of the podcast from ST's sports Instagram page: https://str.sg/vn2F Produced by: Rohit Brijnath (rohitb@sph.com.sg), Kimberly Kwek (kimkwek@sph.com.sg) and Deepanraj Ganesan (gdeepan@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Amirul Karim  Follow Hard Tackle every month here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWRE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRa Spotify: https://str.sg/JW6N Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #hardtackle #hardtackletr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
  4. Why are the Olympics so special?

    07/09/2024

    Why are the Olympics so special?

    Singaporeans who have been to Olympics tell us why it is so important. Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month.  Whether you are an athlete or a sports enthusiast, it is clear that the Olympics hold a special place in hearts worldwide.  From historic achievements to record breaking feats, the Olympics serve up some unforgettable moments every four years. As Paris 2024 approaches, we enlisted the help of people who have been to the Olympics to tell us why the event captures the imagination the way it does.  In this special episode centred around the Olympics, sports reporter Deepanraj Ganesan is joined by assistant sports editor Rohit Brijnath, former national sprinter C. Kunalan, former national shooter Lee Wung Yew, and current national swimmer Quah Ting Wen as they discuss the significance of the Games. (This episode was recorded before it was confirmed on July 8 that Ting Wen will not compete in the Paris Olympics)  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:15 What did the Olympics mean growing up?   11:25 C. Kunalan’s memory of his first Olympics representing Singapore   17:33 Ting Wen on her realisation of being at her first Olympics  19:40 Why the Olympics is so inspiring for athletes  23:20 How do athletes wear the pressure of the Games given it comes around only every four years? Why parents should be a safe space for their children who pursue sports 29:30 On the mismatch of expectations of Singaporeans when it comes to the Olympics   37:26 Guests’ favourite Olympics moment Read: https://str.sg/5Wn3 Listen to other Hard Tackle episodes: Ep 17: Raising an Olympian in Singapore - https://str.sg/fUPc Produced by: Deepanraj Ganesan (gdeepan@sph.com.sg), Amirul Karim, Hadyu Rahim and Hana Chen Filmed by: Marc de Souza, Haziq Baharudin, Vikneshwaran Rao, ST Video Edited by: Amirul Karim  Follow Hard Tackle every month here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWRE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRa Spotify: https://str.sg/JW6N SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Deepanraj Ganesan on X: https://str.sg/wtra Read his articles: https://str.sg/ip4G Catch visual snippets of the podcast from ST's sports Instagram page: https://str.sg/vn2F --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #hardtackle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min
  5. Raising an Olympian in Singapore

    06/11/2024

    Raising an Olympian in Singapore

    What does it take for parents to nurture an athlete who wants to reach sport’s pinnacle? Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month.  The Olympics is just around the corner and come July, several Team Singapore athletes will fly the flag for the Republic in Paris. Two of them, kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder and Singapore kayaker Stephenie Chen will make their Olympics debut.  Beyond their individual hustle to get to sports’ grandest stage, Maeder's and Chen’s journey to the Olympics has been helped by their families' relentless support. In this episode, Maximilian’s parents Valentin Maeder and Hwee Keng and Michael Chen and Sarah-Yvonne, parents of Stephenie, join sports reporter Deepanraj Ganesan to talk about how they have supported their children’s aspirations.  Highlights (click/tap above): 2:00 Did Maximilian Maeder's and Stephenie Chen’s parents have sporting backgrounds that influenced their kids?   13:10 Is there a point in which parents build a roadmap to sporting success?   17:40 Why is there a need to trust the experts and coaches as opposed to intervening?  21:12 Making sacrifices for your children when they pursue sports  26:28 Why parents should be a safe space for their children who pursue sports  35:00 Reacting to naysayers who say there is no future in sports Read: https://str.sg/DMK2 Produced by: Deepanraj Ganesan (gdeepan@sph.com.sg), Eden Soh and Amirul Karim  Edited by: Amirul Karim  Follow Hard Tackle every month here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWRE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRa Spotify: https://str.sg/JW6N SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Deepanraj Ganesan on X: https://str.sg/wtra Read his articles: https://str.sg/ip4G Catch visual snippets of the podcast from ST's sports Instagram page: https://str.sg/vn2F --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #hardtackle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min
  6. Singapore EPL fans, sports presenter John Dykes debate a thrilling season

    05/22/2024

    Singapore EPL fans, sports presenter John Dykes debate a thrilling season

    Join in this passionate post mortem of the recently concluded 2023/24 English Premier League season. Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month.  As the dust settles on another thrilling English Premier League (EPL) season, the post-campaign analysis has begun at the Hard Tackle. ST Sports reporter Deepanraj Ganesan and guest co-host Zia-ul Raushan - assistant program director for Money FM 89.3 - invited nine die-hard EPL fans and renowned sports presenter John Dykes to dissect the highs and lows of their favourite teams, reflect on the past season's triumphs and tribulations and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead. Is there a world after Jurgen Klopp for Liverpool, and can we talk about Manchester City’s title win without mentioning their alleged breaches? Will Arsenal return for another tilt at the title next season? We discuss all that and more on this special end-of-season podcast. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:30 Has Manchester City’s title celebrations been overshadowed by Premier League’s 115 breaches of regulations? 12:44 After finishing second again, can Arsenal continue to challenge for the title next season? 15:04 Do fans agree with Phil Foden being crowned player of the season? 20:55 How are Liverpool fans feeling after the emotional final day farewell to Jurgen Klopp? 32:45 On Aston Villa balancing Europe and Premier League next season  45:57 Will Newcastle be able to hold on to their key assets? 55:17 Erik ten Hag: In or out? Guests/fans: Arsenal fan - Eddy HironoLiverpool fan - Imran FarizLiverpool fan - Rishi BudhraniMan City fan - Haizam ShahMan Utd fan - Fauzie LailyNewcastle fan - Terence OngSpurs fan - Nitin NambiarAston Villa fan - Jod GillChelsea fan - Kalvinder GillSports presenter - John Dykes Watch the full video podcast here: https://str.sg/cbY4 Read: https://str.sg/7aUq Hosted & produced by: Deepanraj Ganesan (gdeepan@sph.com.sg), Zia-ul Raushan (raushan@sph.com.sg) Filmed in: Studio+65 Edited by: Amirul Karim & Studio+65 Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Zia-ul Raushan at Sports Minutes Podcast, Money FM 89.3: https://str.sg/umMD Follow Hard Tackle every month here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWRE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRa Spotify: https://str.sg/JW6N ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Deepanraj Ganesan on X: https://str.sg/wtra Read his articles: https://str.sg/ip4G Catch visual snippets of the podcast from ST's sports Instagram page: https://str.sg/vn2F --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #hardtackle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 3m
  7. What is the state of the Deloitte Women's Premier League?

    05/07/2024

    What is the state of the Deloitte Women's Premier League?

    Diving into women’s football in Singapore Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month.  In this episode of Hard Tackle, we look at the state of women’s football in Singapore and what the Republic needs to do to improve its standards.  In the Lionesses’ most recent international friendlies, they suffered 3-0 and 8-0 defeats by Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicked off on March 9 but lacklustre field conditions at the Choa Chua Kang stadium caused much frustration and anger to players, coaches and fans. Join ST Sports reporter Deepanraj Ganesan, current women’s footballer Sara Merican, former national captain Charmaine Lim and former national footballer Chris Yip-Au who is now with Seychelles Football Federation as its head of women’s football and women’s national team coach. They explore the current issues in women’s football and what the future holds for the ladies.  Highlights (click/tap above): 2:45 How Yip-Au, Sara and Lim were introduced to football in the early days 9:55 Has access to information on women’s football increased in recent years?   18:50 What is needed for countries including Singapore to progress up the rankings in women’s football?  19:55 How do national team players balance work or school with playing football and get that aspect be improved or helped? 30:15 Discussion on the facilities in the WPL  Read: https://str.sg/d3CE Produced by: Deepanraj Ganesan (gdeepan@sph.com.sg) & Amirul Karim Edited by: Amirul Karim Follow Hard Tackle every month here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWRE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRa Spotify: https://str.sg/JW6N SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Deepanraj Ganesan on X: https://str.sg/wtra Read his articles: https://str.sg/ip4G Catch visual snippets of the podcast from ST's sports Instagram page: https://str.sg/vn2F --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #hardtackle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    56 min
  8. What Singapore can learn from Joseph Schooling's retirement

    04/09/2024

    What Singapore can learn from Joseph Schooling's retirement

    Did Singapore let its golden boy down in any way? Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month.  In this episode of Hard Tackle, we delve into the lessons from the recent retirement of Singaporean swimming sensation Joseph Schooling on April 2, 2024, at just 28 years of age. Join ST Sports reporter Deepanraj Ganesan and assistant sports editor Rohit Brijnath as they host two guests - Singapore Aquatics president and former national swimmer Mark Chay and two-time Olympian David Lim. They explore the implications of Schooling's decision and discuss how Singapore can draw valuable lessons from his meteoric rise to the 100m butterfly gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and his struggle after that historic win.  Could the Singapore sports ecosystem have done more for Schooling? Is there a conversation about national service and high performance athletes and crucially, who will be Singapore swimming’s next superstar after Schooling?  We ask the hard questions, the guests respond, and now it is time for you to listen in on our debate. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:00 Rohit Brijnath on how he felt after speaking to Schooling about his retirement  12:10 Why retirement was the better option for Schooling rather than going for success at regional competitions?   14:05 Could there have been better support for Schooling? 22:30 On how Singapore can do better in drawing on the knowledge, experience and ups and downs of our successful athletes  28:40 Why we need to have a closer look at how Schooling became a success  34:00 Will stakeholders have a conversation about NS and its impact on athletes? Listen to our earlier episode with Joseph Schooling himself: https://str.sg/LFUG Read: https://str.sg/JJJQF Produced by: Deepanraj Ganesan (gdeepan@sph.com.sg) & Amirul Karim Edited by: Amirul Karim Follow Hard Tackle every month here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWRE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRa Spotify: https://str.sg/JW6N SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Deepanraj Ganesan on X: https://str.sg/wtra Read his articles: https://str.sg/ip4G Catch visual snippets of the podcast from ST's sports Instagram page: https://str.sg/vn2F --- Discover more ST podcast channels: The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #hardtackle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
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About

Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month.  Podcaster: Deepanraj Ganesan Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis & The Straits Times, SPH Media Trust.

Information

  • Creator
    The Straits Times
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    228
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Straits Times
  • Show Website
    Hard Tackle