PETALING JAYA: Faizal Saari is back training with the Malaysian hockey team ahead of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup later this month.
The experienced forward, who announced his retirement from the national team in February, is working his way back into Sarjit Singh’s squad.
He has been training with the team since Monday.
With the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh from November 23 to 30, Faizal must prove his fitness to make the 18-man squad.
The 34-year-old said he hopes to make the cut.
“I have the desire to return to the national team. I will show my strength and prove that I still deserve to be in the team. But if I am not chosen, I will keep working hard,” he said.
“After nine months away, I need to regain fitness and the hockey skills will come back fast,” added Faizal.
Faizal continued playing domestically for Terengganu and led them to defend the Razak Cup title last month.
His return could also bolster Sarjit’s options for next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
