Teenager Dheeressh makes cut for Malaysia squad at Junior Asia Cup

At 17 years old, Dheeressh Gunaseelan is making waves in the hockey world. The Malaysian junior men's hockey team has named him as its youngest player for the upcoming Under-21 Asia Cup in Moqi, China. Dheeressh has been an integral part of the team since November 2025, undergoing 10 months of rigorous preparation under the tutelage of former Malaysian national captain and Olympian, Nor Saiful Zaini, and his coaching staff.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) recently announced the team, boasting Dheeressh's inclusion. He has been a vital part of the national Under-21 training program from its inception. Dheeressh shared that this long preparation has forged a stronger bond among the team members and significantly enhanced their performance.

Dheeressh highlighted the comprehensive approach of the coaching staff, emphasizing their focus on physical, tactical, and mental training for the Under-21 Asia Cup. His tenure as the captain of the Malaysian Under-18 team during the Under-18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, last month, marked a significant milestone for him. However, he is now gearing up for an even more formidable challenge.

Dheeressh is optimistic about the upcoming competition, expressing his desire to contest for the championship and bring glory back to Malaysia.

Despite being the youngest member of the squad, Dheeressh downplays the age factor, emphasizing the unity and mutual trust that have developed within the team over the past 10 months of intense training and competition. He firmly believes that their shared goals and mutual trust are the keys to their success. Dheeressh's positive outlook and the team's determination to make a significant impact at the tournament after nearly three decades of anticipation are sure to inspire hockey enthusiasts worldwide.