KUALA LUMPUR — National striker Faizal Saari has announced his retirement from international hockey after playing a key role in the Terengganu Hockey Team’s (THT) treble-winning campaign in the 2025 Malaysia Hockey League (LHM) last night.
The 34-year-old, who has earned 302 caps over 15 years since making his debut for the Speedy Tigers at 18, said it was the right time to step away from international competition.
However, he confirmed that he would continue playing for Terengganu in the LHM and the Tun Abdul Razak Cup.
“I can officially announce that I am retiring from international hockey today to give younger players a chance. Fans will no longer see me in international tournaments… I have been with the national team for a long time.
“I am extremely proud of this treble achievement. This has been a glorious year for me and THT—we won all 12 matches en route to the treble,” he said after helping THT secure the 2025 TNB Cup at the National Hockey Stadium 2 in Bukit Jalil.
Faizal, regarded as one of Malaysia’s finest strikers, revealed plans to open a hockey academy in Pandamaran, Klang after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, citing his passion for coaching young players.
When asked about his successors in the Speedy Tigers squad, he named Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah and Akhimullah Anuar Esook as promising talents capable of leading the national attack.
Earlier, Faizal helped THT claim their second treble in three years, following their 2023 success, by defeating defending treble champions Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) 3-0 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the final.
Faizal, his brother Fitri, and Syarman Mat Tee converted their penalties to secure the title for THT.
THT had earlier won the Charity Shield and maintained an unbeaten record across nine league matches to clinch the title.
The night was even sweeter for the two-time Asian Games silver medallist, as Faizal was crowned LHM 2025’s top scorer, having netted 32 goals in 12 matches, including 14 field goals.
Meanwhile, THT head coach Mohd Hafizi Baharom credited his players for their outstanding performance in securing the treble and their resilience in the final.
“We didn’t expect to complete the treble while maintaining an unbeaten record in all 12 matches. The players worked incredibly hard today, especially in containing TNB’s increasingly dangerous attacks following their 2-1 loss to us in the Piala Sumbangsih,” he said.
TNB team manager Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin attributed the defeat to a lack of cutting-edge attack and the inexperience of younger players who struggled to cope with the high-pressure environment of the final. — February 23, 2025