The new season of the English Premier League is upon us. Can Manchester City defend its title facing more competitive and hungry challengers? In this episode, we look ahead to the Premier League title race and analyze the pros and cons for the top contenders. Also, we touch on how Kylian Mbappe will help an already strong Real Madrid squad, and exa…

In this episode of our "French sportsmen in China" series, we speak to French basketball trainer Patrick Regulier with the Zhejiang Lions’ youth team. Regulier has been in China for 16 years and has turned his career from a player to a trainer. He has become a crucial part in the young players’ pursuit for a professional route ahead.…

While athletes put up amazing performances at the Paris Olympics, addressing the issue of doping that undermines the integrity of the prestigious competition is crucial. In this episode, we touch on the controversies over the case where the USADA allegedly allowed athletes who tested positive for banned substances to compete at the Olympics without…

Chinese athletes have put up consistent performances at the Paris Olympics in sports they traditionally dominate, but they have had some close calls in their medal pursuit. How is the Chinese contingent looking? What are some other highlights at the Games? Also in this episode, we touch on some interesting stories that occurred away from competitio…

Frederic Moal is a French BMX racing coach in China. In charge of the Guizhou provincial team, he manages six young riders competing in various national competitions with his unique coaching methods. Affectionately known as Laofa, or the French papa, Moal has built a deep bond with his riders, who have almost become his family members. Hear Moal’s …

Emerging sports including break dancing and sports climbing have injected fresh impetus in the Paris Olympics with more attention from Generation Z spectators. In this special edition of Sideline Story, we speak to two Chinese participants in the two sports, who share their insights of competing at Paris 2024.…

In this special episode of Sideline Story, we bring you the story of Yaya Sanogo, a French professional football now playing at Chinese club Qingdao Red Lions. Sanogo became a household name when he joined the English Premier League side Arsenal when he was just 19 years old. Having played in Europe only, Sanogo decided to explore a new chapter by …

The Olympic Summer Games is returning to Paris after 100 years. What has made Paris 2024 different from previous editions of the Olympics? Also in this episode, we give our expectations of Chinese athletes' performances in France and our personal anticipations of the highlighting action of the Games. We touch on how the new trendy sports among Gene…

In this special edition of Sideline Story, we bring you exclusive interviews with former LPGA world number one Feng Shanshan and Chinese women’s hurdler Wu Yanni. Feng, retired now from professional golf, was an Olympic medalist in Rio 2016, while Wu, making her Olympic debut in Paris, represents new forces of Chinese track and field athletes. The …

The season's last major golf tournament is underway in Scotland. We discuss this year's Open Championship that gathers golf's elite players including one from China. We also look into how Chinese golfers have fared so far this season, and who we think has the potential to become a leader in the sport.…

Football fans have enjoyed a dream summer of football as Euro 2024 and Copa America coincide this year. While appreciating both tournaments, what have fans felt about the differences between the two events? Also in this episode of Sideline Story, we analyze the success of Spain at the European Championship, preview the Copa America final featuring …

A record number of 11 Chinese players participated at Wimbledon this year, including Zhang Zhizhen, who became the first seeded men’s singles player from the Chinese mainland since the Open era at the grass court Grand Slam. What does it say in China’s tennis development? Also in this episode, we touch on Novak Djokovic’s speedy return after knee s…

In this special edition of Sideline Story, we bring you an exclusive interview with Chinese heavyweight boxer Zhang Zhilei. Zhang labored to an impressive knockout win over former WBC world champion Deontay Wilder in the fifth-round in Riyadh last month. The 41-year-old shared his thoughts about his next opponent, the possibility that he would retu…

Euro 2024 saw some unexpected results after the group stage, good or bad. Who triggered the biggest shock? Who disappointed the most? Who stands out as the favorite so far? We try to unpack those in this episode of Sideline Story. Also, we touch on the Chinese elements appearing in the continental tournament and what roles they have played.…

In this special edition of Sideline Story, we bring you exclusive interviews with Olympians Yohan Blake and Armand Duplantis. Veteran Jamaican sprinter Blake will be participating in his fourth Olympic Games, hoping to win the gold medal in the men’s 100m for the first time in his career. Duplantis is going to Paris as the defending champion in men…

Chinese basketballer Cui Yongxi is taking part in the 2024 NBA draft. We share our opinions on whether the 21-year-old could become the 7th Chinese player to make it in the NBA and what challenges he faces. We also discuss if the Boston Celtics can repeat their NBA championship in the following seasons.…

England is among the top favorites for the Euro 2024 title with a luxurious squad at head coach Gareth Southgate’s disposal, but what might hinder them from going forward? Also in this episode, we touch on host Germany’s potential for going deep on home soil, Cristiano Ronaldo’s last shot at the European Championship, and teams that may surprise ev…

Indian coach Rahul Dravid has announced his departure after the T20 Cricket World Cup. Will it impact India’s campaign as the team aims to win the title for the first time since the inaugural edition in 2007? Also in this episode, we touch on the United States as the co-host of the tournament as well as cricket’s expansion globally over the years.…

Rafael Nadal was knocked out in the French Open opening round for the first time in his career after a straight sets defeat to Alexander Zverev. Does it mean the end of his era as the King of Clay? Will we see his return at Grand Slams? Also in this week’s Sideline Story, we touch on Novak Djokovic's French Open title hopes as well as Chinese star …

Manchester City has won a historic fourth consecutive English Premier League title, setting a new record. But does it mean they have become the most dominant Premier League team ever, even in comparison with Manchester United in the 1990s and early 2000s? Also in this episode, we analyze how Leverkusen managed to complete an unbeaten season in the …

With the early postseason exit for superstars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and more big names, the NBA Playoffs seems to have switched to a new era with more up-and-coming stars in spotlight. Is the dominance of the old guns truly over? Also in this episode, we touch on the surprising performances by some of the teams seldom mentioned …

Real Madrid knocked out Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semifinals after a dramatic comeback victory at home. What happened to Bayern in the final minutes? Who should shoulder the blame for the German giants’ loss --- Manuel Neuer, Thomas Tuchel or the referee? Also this week, we discuss Borussia Dortmund’s road to the Champions League f…

Arsenal is again trying to catch Manchester City in the final stages of this season's English Premier League title. Will the Gunners learn lessons after coming up short in last season’s duel? Is Man City truly unshakable in the remaining fixtures? Also on this week’s Sideline Story, we look into the reasons why Liverpool dropped out of the three-wa…

Inter Milan has secured its 20th Serie A title after a dominant season in Italian football. How did the club build the championship winning team amid financial struggles? What role has Chinese boss Zhang Kangyang played in rebuilding the Inter squad? Also on this week’s Sideline Story, we analyze the unexpected fall of Napoli this season and the st…

The Formula One Chinese Grand Prix has returned after a three-year hiatus. The meaning of the race is two-fold, as it also features the first ever Chinese F1 driver - Zhou Guanyu – competing on home soil. How significant is Zhou’s appearance for China’s motorsport? What are the most classic moments from past Shanghai races? Listen to Sideline Story…

Real Madrid and Manchester City are back at the starting line after an eye-catching draw at Bernabeu in the opening leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie. How are things looking for Real? Will they falter like they did in last year's 4-0 semifinal return leg? Is Bayern Munich a different team at the Champions League? And did Arsenal show n…

Novak Djokovic is in a search of a new coach after a shocking decision to part ways with his title winning partner Goran Ivanisevic. Is it a wise move in his pursuit of more Grand Slam titles? Has Jannik Sinner replaced him as the best men’s tennis player as things stand? Is it time for Andy Murray to hang up his racquet after suffering another maj…

Toni Kroos has emerged from retirement from international football and rejoined “Die Mannschaft.” He wasted no time in proving his worth in the team’s two most recent friendly wins. What is the significance of his return as Germany prepares to host Euro 2024? Is it a light at the end of the tunnel for Germany after a period of struggles?…

China’s national football team has begun another quest for the FIFA World Cup under new coach Branko Ivankovic. What has the Croatian got to work with and can he accomplish the task of taking the Chinese squad into the tournament in 2026? Join us on Sideline Story for thoughts on whether it’s finally time for a breakthrough and how Team China can a…

Three teams are leading what could be the closest title race for the English Premier League this season. Will Liverpool win it as a farewell gift to Jurgen Klopp? Is City still as strong in its title defense? Can Arsenal avoid a repeat of history last season and finally win a long-awaited trophy? Join Sideline Story this week to find out which team…

LeBron James is the first person in NBA history to reach the 40,000-point milestone in an illustrious career that has lasted two decades and is still going. This week's Sideline Story takes a look at whether he is basketball's GOAT, as well as the season so far and what might happen after.

The new Formula One season gets underway in Bahrain this weekend. Will it be another season of Red Bull dominance? How will Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next year shape things in 2024? Why is this a crucial season for Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu? Join this episode of Sideline Story to hear what we are most excited about before it all begins.…

Bayern Munich is at risk of its first trophy-less season in more than a decade. In this episode, we share our thoughts on the reasons behind their struggles, whether replacing coach Thomas Tuchel will make things better, and who do we think are candidates for the job.

Steph Curry didn't make it into this year's NBA All-Star starting lineup, but he gets a chance to challenge the WNBA's Sabrina Ionescu in a three-pointer shootout. Also among this year's star-studded list is LeBron James who is making his 20th appearance in the event. In this week's Sideline Story, we examine whether Curry deserves to be among the …

Why isn’t NFL as popular globally as in U.S.? The Super Bowl is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the American sports calendar. However, this event and the NFL in general do not appear to have the same level of popularity on a global scale. Join us on this week’s episode of Sideline Story where we discuss the Super Bowl, the NFL, and th…

Chinese sensation Zheng Qinwen finished as runner-up at the Australian Open, becoming the second Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam final. The men’s singles competition also has a young champion after Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev on his way to a first Grand Slam title. This week on Sideline Story, we share our thought…

The AFC Asian Cup concluded far too early for Chinese fans. China’s performance was disappointing after a winless group stage campaign with no goals scored, posing a lot of questions about the team’s future. In this episode, we analyze the status of the Chinese men’s national football team and discuss whether coach Aleksandar Jankovic should should…

Novak Djokovic’s first two matches at the Australian Open ended tougher than expected. Did the world number one struggle from fatigue? How is his title defense looking? Also in this episode, we chat about some of China's top performers that will be looking to build on the success that was achieved in 2023. In addition, we also take a look at Naomi …

The football world has lost one of its greatest icons. Join us on this week’s episode of Sideline Story, where we talk about the coaching and playing style legacy left behind by ‘Der Kaiser’, Franz Beckenbauer. Also, as the Asian Cup is underway in Qatar, we preview the biggest football tournament of the continent with a focus on China’s chances of…

Every year we seem to see teenage sensations emerging from a variety of sporting codes around the world. Some maintain this success, other struggle to live up to the hype. Join us on Sideline Story where we discuss 16-year-old Luke Littler’s extraordinary run at the World Darts Championship this year. We also talk about the pressures these young st…

As 2023 is coming to an end, we have to recognize what a phenomenal year it has been in the world of sports. In this episode we give our thoughts on the top performances, the best sporting moments and the most successful athletes in the past year. Join our discussion to see if we share the same memory of 2023 sporting highlights with you.…

2023 has been a monumental year for several Chinese athletes and teams. Join the Sideline Story discussion to hear our thoughts on these performances as we review the sporting highlights of the year in China. We also talk about which sports are the fastest growing in China and which athletes are the most influential as well as our expectations for …

The UEFA Champions League group stages have come to an end. Several big names remain, while Manchester United became the biggest crash. Join us in the discussion of the UCL season so far. We also take a closer look at Bayern Munich's record unbeaten run and pick our top prospects to lift the title this season!…

The top two clubs of the German Bundesliga are now the only two teams in major European leagues still unbeaten in domestic action this season. How has Harry Kane influenced Bayern Munich’s football? What is special about the young Bayer Leverkusen squad and manager Xavi Alonso’s coaching style? What would the rivalry between the two teams look like…

Climate change and sports seem to be intrinsically linked. Join us on this week's episode of Sideline Story, where we discuss climate change's impact on summer and winter sports, what can be done to counter these effects, as well as what sports organizations are doing to reduce their carbon footprint.…

The ATP and WTA tennis seasons have come to an end. Join us on this week's episode of Sideline Story to hear our thoughts on the past season. We chat about the dominance of Novak Djokovic and the possible return of Rafael Nadal next season. We also discuss whether Djokovic can reach his goal of a Golden Slam in 2024, and preview top Chinese players…

Euro 2024 qualifiers are in the final stage and there have been some surprising packages and disappointing sides. Which teams have impressed the fans the most so far? Which individual players have stood out? Also in this episode, we make early predictions on who are the real title contenders next year in Germany?…

The 2023 Cricket World Cup in India has produced some dominant displays and a few upset results too. Join us on this week's episode of Sideline Story, where we discuss the action we have seen so far. We assess team and player performances. We also talk about some of the game's best ever players, as well as examine the state of the men's game in Chi…

Join us on this week’s episode of Sideline Story, where we breakdown the major talking points of the beginning of the NBA season. We also discuss rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, our top picks for the NBA Championship, as well as promising Chinese prospects from the CBA that could make the move to the U.S. in the future.…

The Asian Para Games are about more than just sporting excellence and competition. The 2023 Hangzhou edition is no difference. Listen to this week's episode of Sideline Story, where we chat about the athletes, the best moments and the significance of the event.