KUALA LUMPUR: Sepaktakraw Association Malaysia (STAM) have included "tekong" Saravanan Kanesan in the 24-man national squad for the Asian Games in Guongzhou.

Saravanan, along with Azman Nasarudin, Mohd Futra Abdul Ghani and Mohd Dzulkarnain Ariff are among four "old" faces recalled after their impressive performances in the recent two-day carnival for Datuk Ahmad Ismail Trophy.

Saravanan, 33, from Bukit Selambau, Sungei Petani said: “Never in my wildest dream did I think of making it to the national squad again. Actually, I am in disbelief but delighted.

“The last time I played for Malaysia was in the 2001 King’s Cup. I will try my best to win a place in the team,” said Saravanan, who is still a bachelor.

STAM president Datuk Ahmad Ismail said the former players were picked on merit and experience. Of the squad members, five players had competed in the 2006 Asian Games in Doha while nine represented Malaysia in last year’s Laos Sea Games.

“Our immediate aim is to win the gold in the Asian Games. Hence, we decided to blend youth and experience. “It is a short term policy. If it is successful, we might retain a couple of them. However, the door is still open for other players who do well in local competitions.

“The players would be provided with adequate training. Fifteen players will be picked for the Asian Games.

“The national team will only participate in three competitions — Korea Invitation, Malaysia Cup, and Thai King’s Cup — to ensure they peak at the right moment,” added Ahmad.