Dheeressh Gunaseelan Earns Place as Malaysia’s Youngest Under-21 Hockey Player

At just 17, Dheeressh Gunaseelan has reached another major milestone in his hockey journey after being officially selected for the Malaysia Under-21 men’s hockey squad for the 2026 Men’s Junior Asia Cup in Moqi, China, making him the youngest player in the team.

The national squad was officially announced by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) earlier this week, following almost 10 months of intensive preparation under the guidance of former Malaysian national captain and Olympian Norsaiful Zaini and his coaching team.

Dheeressh has been part of the national Under-21 training programme since November 2025, going through a demanding preparation period that included centralised training and international match exposure.

As part of their preparations, the squad completed its first phase of centralised training and friendly matches in China before travelling to Bengaluru, India, earlier this month for the second phase, where they played a seven-match test series against India’s Under-21 national team.

For Dheeressh, the long preparation period has not only strengthened the team’s game but also brought the players closer together.

“Our coaches have worked extremely hard with us and have always helped us improve our game. They have prepared us not only physically and tactically but have also placed a strong emphasis on our mental strength as we prepare for the Junior Asia Cup,” he said.

The selection comes just weeks after Dheeressh captained Malaysia’s Under-18 side at the Under-18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan. Now, he faces an even bigger challenge at Under-21 level.

“Being captain of Malaysia at the Under-18 Asia Cup was a huge experience for me. Now, I am facing an even bigger challenge, but I see it positively. We want to fight for the championship and hopefully bring the title back to Malaysia,” he said.

Despite being the youngest player in the squad, Dheeressh does not see his age as a disadvantage.

“Being the youngest player is not a problem for me. We have been together for almost 10 months, training, playing and growing as a team. We are one team and every player has a role to play. What matters most is that we trust one another and work towards the same goal.”

Dheeressh’s rise to the national Under-21 squad also highlights the importance of Malaysia’s sports school development programme. His journey began at the age of 13 when he joined the Sekolah Sukan Malaysia programme. Together with his teammates, he went through years of structured training, education, discipline and competitive exposure. For Dheeressh, earning a place in the national Under-21 squad is not a personal achievement alone.

“I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to MHC, TNB, KBS and the sponsors who have always supported the dreams of young athletes like us, including Berjaya, Mazda and Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia.”

He also paid tribute to the coaches and teachers at Sekolah Sukan Malaysia who have been part of his development since he was 13.

“They started shaping and educating us when we were only 13. They believed in us, guided us and gave us a strong foundation that has helped us reach where we are today.”

“I and my teammates truly appreciate every sacrifice that has been made for us. There are so many coaches, teachers and people behind the scenes who have contributed to our journey. This achievement does not belong to me alone, it belongs to everyone who has supported us along the way.”

For Dheeressh, the Junior Asia Cup is not the final destination. Instead, it represents another important step towards bigger ambitions, helping Malaysia qualify for next year’s Junior World Cup in Chile and, eventually, becoming part of a generation that can take Malaysian hockey back to the Olympic stage.

“My dream is to make sure we qualify for the Junior World Cup in Chile next year. Beyond that, I want to be part of the generation that helps bring Malaysian hockey back to the Olympics.”

“It may sound like a big dream, but my teammates and I work towards it every day. We sacrifice study time, time with our families and many things that young people normally enjoy because we want to make the country proud.”

Behind Dheeressh’s achievement is a family that has stood firmly by him throughout his hockey journey. As he prepares to leave for China, there is one person especially close to his heart, his mother, Onita Karthigeyan, whose birthday falls on August 30, just days before the tournament begins.

This year, Dheeressh will not be home to celebrate her special day. Instead, he hopes his selection to represent Malaysia will become the most meaningful birthday gift he can give his mother.

“My mum has always been there for me. She has made so many sacrifices and has supported me every step of my hockey journey. From waking up early in the morning, training, travelling to competitions and everything else, she has always been by my side.”

“My mum’s birthday is on August 30 and unfortunately, I won’t be home to celebrate with her because I have to prepare for the tournament. But I hope my selection to represent Malaysia can be a birthday gift for her. I want to make my mum proud.”

“To my mum, dad, siblings and my entire family, thank you for always believing in and supporting me. Every time I step onto the field, I carry with me all of my family’s sacrifices and support.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the coaches, teachers and mentors who have helped shape him both as an athlete and as a person.

“To every coach and teacher who has played a part in making me who I am today, thank you. I may not be able to name everyone, but I will always carry the lessons and advice you have given me throughout my journey.”

The Men’s Junior Asia Cup will take place in Moqi, China, from September 3 to 15, 2026, with Malaysia set to face some of Asia’s strongest junior hockey teams in the battle for continental glory. For the 17-year-old, the tournament is more than just another competition.

It is an opportunity to repay the trust placed in him, honour the sacrifices made by his family and coaches, and take another step towards his dream of representing Malaysia on the biggest sporting stages in the world.

“We are ready. We have worked extremely hard for almost 10 months and the spirit within the team is very high. We know the challenge ahead will be huge, but we are motivated and ready to give everything for Malaysia.”

“We truly need the support, encouragement and prayers of all Malaysians. We will go to China carrying the Jalur Gemilang with immense pride and give everything we have for the country.”