Forum: International football tournaments are vital benchmarks for development
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The Football Association of Singapore’s (FAS) confirmation that the Young Lions and Lionesses will miss the 2026 Asian Games is deeply disappointing, even if new qualification criteria are now in place ( Young Lions and Lionesses will not be at 2026 Asian Games, says FAS
Singapore football was once built on the belief that we belonged on bigger stages. Generations inspired by names like Fandi Ahmad and V. Sundram Moorthy did not grow by retreating from strong opponents – they grew by testing themselves against Asia’s best.
Even in more recent times, leaders such as Hariss Harun have shown what it means to wear the national badge with pride and resilience.
The Lionesses, too, have pioneers like Danelle Tan, who became the first Singaporean woman to play in a European league, and still holds records as the youngest Singaporean to play for the U-19 team at age 13, and the youngest senior goal scorer at age 14.
Participation in the Asian Games would have given the Young Lions vital experience ahead of 2027’s Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, helping them test themselves against stronger continental opponents and build the confidence and cohesion needed for future success. Our next generation will develop that same mentality only through meaningful international exposure, not by being absent when the competition gets tougher.
International tournaments are not merely stages for glory; they are also vital benchmarks for development. Young players improve through playing against stronger opponents, not through withdrawal.
Missing three consecutive Asian Games signals that Singapore is gradually disappearing from major continental platforms. If qualification criteria are now stricter, then Singapore must respond with urgency, not resignation. Our youth teams must return to the stage – and boldly face Asia’s best.
A. Thiyaga Raju
