By Agathes Kuma

The experience and accomplishments gained while playing for the national team were completely different, says PJ City winger V.Ruventhiran.

Ruventhiran, 21, said that his passion towards football began when his father showed him a pathway to enter an academy when he was just 5-year-old.

“My hard work helped me to be in this place. It was a big experience to be a part of the National Team and it is not easy to get in to the National Team,” Ruventhiran told The Hindu Press.

He added that he had never played at a high level or for the National Team before this.

He also stated that this is his first time playing for the National Team.

“I faced a lot of problem, but I didn’t lose hope on myself and my own motivation was the best thing that I had to keep on fighting for success,” he said.

Ruventhiran began playing football at the age of 5 at a small academy.

He, then moved to CIMB-MBSA, CIMB-YFA, and finally he went to Bayern Munich to represent CIMB by participating in Alliance League.

Ruventhiran continued his journey by joining MIFA for a year and later played for Belia Selangor before joining the PJ City under-19 and progressing to the under-21.

He is now in Super League.

Harimau Malaya call was the most surprising thing for the Selangor-born player.

“I was not in the standby list, and suddenly I received a call up which makes me happy.

“However, my aim was to prove something that I am ready to compete at the international level, and I finally had the opportunity to play for 10 minutes against Bangladesh,” said Ruventhiran.

Ruventhiran expressed his gratitude to the Petaling Jaya City Football Club, the CEO Mr Ganesh, Datuk Eswaran and his coach P. Maniam, for having confidence in him at such a young age to play in the Super League, Nation League and now in Malaysia Team.

When asked for an advice for the upcoming generation, he encouraged to never give up and to dream big.

“The upcoming generation should always compare themself to successful individuals, and they’ll undoubtedly achieve great things.

“Never underestimate yourself and always be optimistic; even great things come about after great difficulty. If you continue to put in the effort, things will come to you and it will happen,” he added.