KUALA LUMPUR: Syamil Azim Dzulkafly was dropped from national hockey training last year but the forward is not giving up.
He has vowed to prove himself in domestic tournaments to get a recall for national training next year.
Last month Syamil scored three goals to help Pahang win the Malaysia Games gold medal.
In the ongoing Razak Cup in Bukit Jalil, he has scored four goals, a hat-trick against Police (7-0) on Tuesday and a goal against Melaka in their 3-2 win yesterday.
The 23-year-old, who is featuring in his fifth consecutive Razak Cup, said his dream is to represent Malaysia.
"I was among 30 players called up for national training by coach Arul Selvaraj last year but after one month of training five players including me were dropped from the team.
"I was disappointed as my dream was to don national colours. But I am determined to do well in domestic tournaments to impress the national selectors," said Syamil, who is pursuing a degree in physical education at Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Syamil said his main mission is to help Pahang win the elusive Razak Cup.
Pahang coach Sufian Mohamad said Syamil is a smart player who is good in positioning himself to score goals.
"He is a calibre forward and his hockey future looks good." said Sufian.
RESULTS
Men
Group A: Johor 2 Armed Forces 1, Perak 4 Terengganu 4.
Group B: Perlis 3 Selangor 2, Singapore 1 Police 1, Pahang 3 Melaka 2.
Women
Super Four group: Selangor 5 Penang 1, Pahang 3 Melaka 3.