KUALA LUMPUR: National defender Najmi Jazlan has quit the national team.
National coach Stephen Van Huizen said Najmi made the decision after getting married recently.
"Najmi suffered a minor ankle injury after the Argentina Tour in May, but that was not the reason why he quit the team.
"He just does not want to play for the country. We tried to talk to him but he did not want to change his mind.
"I brought this to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) and also discussed with technical director Terry Walsh, and we agreed that if he is no longer interested, we will not force him.
"We did ask him if it was temporary or for good, but he did not want to commit.
"Luckily, his decision came 40 days before the Indonesia Asian Games. We still have time to find a replacement," said Van Huizen.
National skipper Shukri Mutalib said: “I am disappointed with his decision as were are in the midst of preparing for the Asian Games.
"He is one of the main players in our team.
"But then, if he is no longer interested to play for the country, I will respect his decision," said Shukri.
Shukri added: “Other players are also puzzled as they can't contact him anymore.”
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