KUALA LUMPUR – Former national hockey star Faizal Saari has confirmed he is ready to come out of retirement and return to the Speedy Tigers, saying he has maintained his fitness and form in anticipation of a possible recall to the national squad.
Speaking to Scoop, the 34-year-old said the desire to represent Malaysia never faded, and he remains fully prepared to reunite with the team under head coach Sarjit Singh.
“The national team has always been close to my heart. I never saw retirement as the end, just a pause to regroup,” he said.
“I’ve continued training, I’ve kept my conditioning, and I’ve stayed disciplined because I wanted to make sure that if the country needs me, I will be ready.”
Faizal stressed that the intention to return was not merely sentimental.
“Age is not the issue. What matters is performance. As long as I can still compete, still score, still handle the intensity, I believe I have something to offer. If Coach Sarjit feels I can contribute, I am ready to give everything.”
He added that he hopes to support the younger generation of players, saying his experience in World Cups, Asian Cups and major international tournaments can be valuable in guiding the squad.
“If I come back, it’s not just to score goals, but also to share experience and leadership. I want to help the younger players, help the team grow stronger together,” he said.
Faizal, one of the country’s most prolific attackers with 302 international appearances and countless goals to his name, announced his retirement from the national team after helping Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) complete a historic treble by lifting the TNB Cup earlier this year.
His readiness to return is seen as a timely boost, especially with the World Cup Qualifiers looming early next year, where Malaysia will need depth, finishing power and composure in high-pressure matches.
“Malaysia hockey has given me everything,” Faizal said.
“If there is still something I can give back, whether it’s one match or one moment that matters, I am ready.” – November 5, 2025