KUALA LUMPUR: Defender T. Perabu withdrew from the national team on the first day of training at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The 21-year-old penalty corner specialist, who played for Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), pulled out, citing personal reasons, today.
This isn't the first time he has foregone an opportunity to represent the nation. Last year, he withdrew from the Junior World Cup squad also due to personal reasons.
Earlier today, Perabu attended the team briefing conducted by newly appointed coach Sarjit Singh before informing the coach of his decision.
"Syafiq Hassan will replace Perabu," said Sarjit.
"Three other players could not report for training today. They are Faizal Saari, defenders Andywalfian Jeffrynus, and Srif Syafie Ishak.
"Faizal is currently playing in the Bangladesh Hockey League, while Andywalfian and Srif are recovering from ankle injuries."
Faizal is playing for Dhaka's Mohammedan Sporting Club and will report to the national team on April 9.
"Faizal is our main striker, and I need his services. He signed up with Mohammedan before we released the 46-player list for centralised training." Sarjit will trim his squad to 30 players for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh on May 4-11.
"We will play a friendly against New Zealand before the tournament.
"We are also making arrangements to play warm-up matches against Pakistan and Canada," said Sarjit.
After the Ipoh assignment, the Speedy Tigers will head to Poland for the Nations Cup on May 31-June 9. Meanwhile, Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal gave a pep talk to the players.
"Today is the first national training session, and I want all the players to give their commitment.
"It's time for the junior members of the squad to shine," said Subahan, who brought nasi goreng for the players.