After ending a five year wait for his degree, Malaysia’s midfield maestro, Fitri Saari can finally focus all his efforts towards his hockey career.

The Terengganu native, younger brother to prolific forward, Faizal by two years, was a relieved man when he was finally awarded the Sports Science degree at University of Malaya’s convocation last October.“Last year, I finally managed to complete my degree in Sports Science even though it took me more than five years.

“Usually, it would only take three and a half years, but as a hockey player, I had to juggle between my career and studies. Each semester, I would only take one or two subjects as I was busy with my playing commitments.

“Now with my studies completed, I can fully focus on helping Malaysia qualify for the Olympics in the FIH Series,” said Fitri, who was awarded the man of the match award against Japan on Sunday.

The 26 year old now fully focused on his hockey has been instrumental towards Malaysia’s rise in the 28th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, contributing a field goal in the Speedy Tiger’s 5-1 trashing of Poland and threading incisive passes for his team mates for their 4-3 ‘revenge win’ against Japan on Sunday.

Against India today, Fitri again will be called upon to supply the ammunition for Malaysia’s much feared forward line, led by Faizal with five goals and ably supported by Nik Aiman Rozemi and Ashran Hamsani with a goal each.

“We are looking at game by game, we are aiming for the three points to put ourselves in a good position to go to the final,” he said.

Fixtures
Day 3
26th March (Tuesday)
Japan vs Canada, 4.05 pm
Poland vs Korea, 6.05 pm
Malaysia vs India 8.35 pm