KUALA LUMPUR — Three veteran national hockey players, with over 900 caps between them, are expected to put away their sticks in the coming months, ahead of this year’s Asia Cup and FIH Nations Cup.
Marhan Jalil, Faizal Saari, and Fitri Saari are among those likely to leave head coach Sarjit Singh’s national squad, amid speculation that they are struggling to keep up with the modern game’s intensity and fitness demands.
Recent social media posts by the trio highlight injuries and their increasing involvement in grassroots coaching, further hinting at a transition away from professional play.
A Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that discussions would be held between the governing body and the coaching staff regarding the players’ futures, as their experience remains valuable to the team’s upcoming tournament campaigns.
“The news seems to be accurate, as many of these players are considering retirement. They have been playing for the national team for a long time, and they feel it’s time to step aside and make way for younger players to take on their roles.
“They are now older and feel that they can’t adapt to the physical demands of the modern game, with their fitness levels not what they were during their prime.
“However, it seems the governing body still requires their services, as they remain influential for a team with an average age of 25,” said the official.
There is also speculation that Marhan, Fitri, and Faizal are pursuing coaching careers, with efforts underway to obtain their FIH coaching licences.
“The MHC plans to meet with them and may try to persuade them to extend their playing careers for at least another year. Let’s wait and see what the outcome is,” the official added.
Marhan, Fitri, and Faizal, all in their 30s, have been with the Speedy Tigers since 2009 and played pivotal roles in Malaysia’s recent successes.
They were part of the squad that won silver at the 2010 Guangzhou and 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, as well as the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, and clinched gold at the 2023 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
The Speedy Tigers will compete in the FIH Nations Cup in June, followed by the Asia Cup in August, which serves as a qualifier for the 2026 FIH World Cup. — February 11, 2025