Bukit Jalil: Sensational national striker Faizal Saari announced his retirement from international hockey after helping the Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) win the 2025 Malaysia Hockey League (LHM) treble tonight. The 34-year-old said it was time for him to hang up his hockey stick after racking up 302 caps in 15 years representing the country since he was first called up to the Speedy Tigers squad when he was 18 years old.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Faizal stated that he would continue to play for Terengganu in the LHM competition and the Tun Abdul Razak Cup. He expressed his desire to allow young players a chance to shine on the international stage, acknowledging his long tenure with the national team. Faizal celebrated the treble achievement with pride, emphasizing the perfect record of 12 victories leading to the championship.

Faizal mentioned plans to open a hockey academy in Pandamaran, Klang, after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, driven by his passion for teaching children. He highlighted the potential of players like Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal and Akhimullah Anuar Esook to fill the attacking roles in the Speedy Tigers squad.

Earlier in the evening, Faizal completed his second treble success with THT after their 2023 victory by defeating the 2024 treble champions, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), 3-0 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 tie in the final. Alongside his brother Fitri and Syarman Mat Tee, Faizal’s performance secured THT’s championship status.

THT previously clinched the Piala Sumbangsih (Charity Shield) title and maintained an unbeaten streak through all nine league matches. The evening became even more memorable for the two-time Asian Games silver medallist, as Faizal was named LHM 2025’s top scorer with 32 goals, including 14 field goals, in 12 matches.

Meanwhile, THT head coach Mohd Hafizi Baharom credited the players for their relentless efforts in achieving the treble and securing victory in the final. He praised their resilience against TNB’s aggressive attacks, which had intensified since their previous encounter in the Sumbangsih Cup.

TNB team manager Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin attributed the defeat to the inefficacy of the attacking line and the inexperience of several young players under high pressure, which hindered their performance in the crucial match.