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THE sporting gods were more than kind over the last 12 months, showering fans with more memorable moments than we could handle. Like trying to make a sequel to last summer's blockbuster film, sports in 2013 has got one mammoth task on its hands trying to follow 2012.

We may already be five days into the new year, but there's still time to make some last-minute wishes for what you want to see in your favourite sports. I know some frustrated Liverpool fans who desperately want a new striker or two, while tennis aficionados would love nothing more than to see more epic five-setters involving the likes of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray.

If I had a fairy godmother in front of me right now, here's what I'd wish for:

The Lions are more than Asean champs

Winning the recent Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup was an unexpected Christmas present for everyone, but perhaps it's high time that Singapore looks beyond South-east Asia.

Our Fifa world ranking of 154th place is nothing to shout about. The upcoming 2015 Asian Cup qualifiers will give the Lions a true test of their potential, with games against Jordan, Syria and Oman on the horizon. Singapore was desperately close to reaching the finals in 2011 but fell short at the final hurdle in the qualifying phase. Getting to the finals this time round would give our boys the chance to pit themselves against the best in Asia.

Pacquiao finally hangs up his gloves

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao is a man who doesn't know the meaning of the word "quit". It's just not in the 34-year-old's vocabulary to back down from a challenge. But after losing both his fights in 2012 - the second via a sensational knockout by Juan Manual Marquez - it is high time that Pacquiao retire from the sport.

There are some who say he should fight on and add to his legacy, but who's to say he won't suffer another debilitating blow to the head the next time round? He's already achieved countless accolades and made more money than he can ever dream of. Pacquiao, an elected member of the Filipino House of Representatives, can do so much more for his country - but only if he is in the pink of health.

Tiger gives Rory a real fight

Tiger Woods seemingly has his life back in order. He is gradually regaining his old form, his knees are strong once again and he seems to have put his troubled past behind him. The American winner of 14 Majors is the odds-on favourite to pip Rory McIlroy as the world's best golfer this year. It will be an intriguing battle to say the least when these two players square off against each other at the Masters in Augusta National this April.

Singapore unearths a new generation of paddlers

Li Jiawei has retired. So too has Sun Beibei and Wang Yuegu. The golden generation of Singapore table tennis has moved on, and their shoes won't be easy to fill.

With preparation for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro under way, the national women's team is now led by captain Feng Tianwei, along with up-and-coming players such as Yu Mengyu, Isabelle Li, Zhou Yihan and Lin Ye. With the right leadership and funding by the Singapore Table Tennis Association, this fresh team has the potential and talent to emulate the 2008 and 2012 Olympians and continue to bring home the medals and trophies for years to come.

Fewer scandals in sports

What would the sporting world be without some controversy now and then? True, but too much of it can really be overkill.

The last year alone saw Lance Armstrong banned for doping, football players diving in order to dupe the referee, other players accused of racism, and badminton players actually trying to lose matches at the London Olympics to get a more favourable draw in the next round. There is no place in sports for cheating, gamesmanship and drug abuse. The officials and relevant sports authorities must clamp down hard on these bad eggs once and for all.

We stop paying through our teeth for sports channels

I know this is wishful thinking, but hey, this is a New Year's wish list after all. Last year, SingTel's mioTV raised its prices for its sports packages, and StarHub will do likewise from Jan 15.

It just seems that fans are being backed into a corner here, with no choice but to either cancel their subscriptions altogether and miss out on their favourite games, or just fork out more in order to enjoy them. The prices of the World Cup and European Championships packages are also going up all the time. It's only a matter of time before consumers reach their breaking point and finally call it quits.