KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s hockey maestro, Fitri Saari, acknowledges the heightened discipline required during the holy month of Ramadan, particularly in terms of nutrition, to ensure he is fully fit during training with the national squad.
Fitri, 31, is among the senior players called upon by the Speedy Tigers’ new head coach, Sarjit Singh, for the coming selection of the national hockey squad set to compete in May’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
A total of 42 players attended the first training session held yesterday at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
For Fitri, he must be mindful of suitable foods that are both nourishing and easy to digest for breaking his fast, as most training sessions are scheduled for the evening during Ramadan.
“The key is in the recovery process. I need sufficient sleep, to eat moderately during iftar and sahur, and above all, to maintain proper hydration to look after myself.
“At this stage in my career, there are some challenges it poses, but I must manage them effectively.
“I cannot afford to overeat or undereat, as it’s crucial to understand my body’s needs.
“I firmly believe I can still compete with the younger players on the team,” said Fitri.
Fitri is now striving to regain his spot in the national squad after being sidelined for the Hangzhou Asian Games campaign last year due to a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee.
His desire is evident, especially considering that Fitri was not included in the national squad when Malaysia clinched their first-ever Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title in 2022.
His last appearance in the invitational tournament was in 2019, where the Speedy Tigers finished in third place.
“For the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, there are teams ranked above us and others below us. We will try to be more realistic in our goals, perhaps aiming for a top-three finish, but it all depends on the Malaysian Hockey Confederation.
“For me, who has not played in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for the past three years, I am one of the players who really wants it. I hope I can do my best,” he added. – March 20, 2024