KUALA LUMPUR – Is Razie Rahim retiring from hockey soon?
The veteran defender and penalty corner specialist has no plans to re-enter the national hockey scene under current head coach Sarjit Singh.
The 37-year-old – Malaysia’s top penalty corner drag flicker with 143 goals in 321 matches – was dropped by Sarjit when he took over as head coach of the Speedy Tigers in March.
Razie’s last game for the national side was at the Paris Olympic qualifiers in Muscat, Oman, in February, where he scored two goals under previous coach Arul Selvaraj.
Speaking to Scoop, Razie, also a police inspector, said he has given his all for the national team and admitted that he cannot cope with Sarjit’s intense training regimens.
“I don’t plan to rejoin the national team and prefer not to play even if given the chance. I haven’t officially announced my retirement, but I know my fitness level won’t keep up with the current demands,” Razie said.
“I know my capabilities and I’m also not expecting to get a call-up. I can’t commit anymore as I’ve given everything since my debut in 2006.
“It’s time for me to focus on my career as a police inspector and let the younger generation take over.”
“However, I’m proud to see senior players like Marhan Jalil, Faizal Saari, and Fitri Saarin still contributing to the national team, and I wish them good luck,” said Razie.
He also mentioned he had no immediate plans to coach but may consider it in the future.
Razie shared these thoughts during the final day of the 2024 TNB-QNET Selangor Hockey League (SHL) at Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium yesterday, where his team, Magic Zone Hockey Club (MZHC), finished the league stage with 21 points out of seven games.
However, they were defeated 8-0 by Brothersticks Universiti Putra Malaysia B (BUPMB) in the overall final.
“For this tournament, I participated to kill time and reconnect with former national players. The league was amazing, but we faced many injuries, leading to our defeat in the final. Hopefully, we can come back stronger next year,” Razie added.
Razie has won ten accolades with the Speedy Tigers, including two Asian Games silver medals (2010 Guangzhou and 2018 Jakarta-Palembang), since making his debut at the 2006 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. – June 2, 2024