KUALA LUMPUR: T. Naaveennash Panicker may be one of the unluckiest hockey talents in Malaysia.

The 19-year-old was first called up for the national senior team's centralised training in March but was dropped.

He then joined the junior squad, hoping for a spot in last month's Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) in Johor Baru.

But disappointment struck again as junior coach I. Vickneswaran dropped him from his 18-member squad.

Vickneswaran's side finished last the the SoJC. "It is frustrating not to be able to play for either the junior or senior squad," said Naaveennash.

"But I haven't given up hope. I'm determined to impress the coaches in training over the next two weeks and earn a place for the Junior Asia Cup (JAC) in Muscat on Nov 26-Dec 4."

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes well, and I get the chance to play in the JAC," he added.

Malaysia are in Group B in the JAC with Pakistan, China, Bangladesh and Oman.

Defending champions India are in Group A with Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan.

The top six teams in the JAC will qualify for the 2025 Junior World Cup in India.