By: Warren Shiu, Staff Writer

Over the summer, twins Kellen Duong (12) and Jayden Duong (12) participated in the Underwater Hockey Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS) 6th Under 19 World Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, putting their best foot forward in a sport where walking isn’t even an option.

The Duongs’ journey to the tournament started years ago. Both siblings dedicate countless hours to training in and out of the pool while balancing schoolwork and extracurriculars. But what even is underwater hockey? In this fast-paced sport, players use snorkels, fins, and short sticks to push a puck across the deep pool floor, scoring in their opponent’s goal while repeatedly diving and holding their breath. And after eight years in this tough sport, their efforts put them in a spot on the international stage.

“There’s a long selection process,” said Kellen Duong. “There were three or four tryouts, then we had multiple scrimmages and a training camp that followed a strict schedule.”

Although the twins had competed in various types of matches over the years, they still felt nervous about competing halfway across the world and facing new opponents.

“It was a really big experience,” recalls Jayden Duong. “It was the first time we were in a world-level competition. But we learned a lot and interacted with a lot of different players.”

But getting to the national tournament was only the beginning. Competing on such a large stage brought its own set of pressures, and the Duongs knew they were about to face their toughest competition yet.

“It’s really challenging,” said Kellen Duong. “There were a lot of teams who were better than us. We felt like the underdogs.”

Despite the hardships faced at the tournament, the twins and their team did their best to persevere, remembering why they love the sport.

“The sport was really unique in that a lot of people hadn’t heard about it,” states Kellen Duong. “But there’s a good community that plays and it was different because it’s a sport that no one can ball hog because you’re holding your breath and coming up for air all the time.”

In addition to underwater hockey, the Duongs also juggle two other demanding sports, water polo and swim, during the school year. By balancing all these activities, it has given them a unique perspective on the physical and mental demands of each.

“Compared to water polo and swimming, I feel that underwater hockey is harder because you have to hold your breath,” said Kellen Duong. “It’s also easier in terms of teamwork, because everyone has to come together. No one person on the team can do everything.”

Their commitment to their underwater hockey careers while maintaining good grades and two other sports demonstrates their dedication. Their passion goes beyond competition, as they find pride in not only the challenges of the sport but also in the opportunity to connect with people who love the sport just as much as them.

“I really enjoy this sport because it helps push me to my limit and it’s nice to meet new people around the world and get to travel for it too,” reflects Jayden Duong. 

This article has been updated to reflect corrections made after its initial publication.