Kathmandu. Hockey is one of the games in which Nepali players won international acclaim in the past. Now the glory is lost and the game seems to be in oblivion. The nation’s national sporting body and others responsible to uplift the game are unconcerned and show a lackadaisical attitude towards the game. The same game has been a source of vitality and given meaning to the life of Raju Adhikari and his friends at ‘Mamaghar’.

‘Mamaghar’ is a nonpartisan nongovernmental organization working for the welfare of street children. It provides emergency rescue, consultation, treatment and residential service to the street children and arranges for their formal education, creative participation and rehabilitation.

Raju would have been lost in the maze of the streets of Hetauda had it not been Mamaghar which provided him the security of a home and the warmth of a family. Raju was not able to find his rhythm in the beginning, but once he did, there has been no looking back.

Three other youths share the same story as that of Raju. They had all been rescued from streets and places where they could know nothing about proper shelter, clothes and food, let alone family love and care.

Raju was picked from a street in Hetauda 10 years ago by a volunteer working for a nongovernmental organization. An orphan and unclaimed child, he did not know who his parents were, how old he was or where he was from. Moreover, he was into substance addiction.

Raju was taken to the rescue center, Mamaghar, where he was provided food, shelter and education. It was not easy for Raju to attend school, however. He had to take basic education classes. He was much older than others in his class were, so he was not very interested in studies.

One day, the children at Mamaghar were asked to select the activities of their interest, and they were admitted to special training classes to bring out their talents and inner abilities. Raju chose hockey. He had seen some youths practicing hockey and he had set his heart on learning the game.

He then came in the contact of Manoj Sharma for training. Sharma is a hockey coach and member of the Nepal Hockey Association Executive Committee. With Sharma’s help and encouragement, Raju was able to bring out the sportsman in him and prove himself as an ace hockey player. Raju became a member of the Bagmati Province hockey team and led the team as a captain in some matches. He has played national competitions and some international ones as well.

Raju represents a story of transformation which is a concoction of care, training, effort and one’s passion for sport. Some other youths of Mamaghar have similar stories, all linked with hockey.

Sushant Thing was brought to Mamaghar when he was seven years old. He was also rescued from a street of Hetauda. 17-year-old Sushant is studying in class nine. He has led his school hockey team at the Asian School Games Federation held at Indore in India.

Pema Rumba (Samir) is 19 years old. It has been seven years that he has been living at Mamaghar.  He is studying in eleventh standard at present.

Aayush Nushur (Santalal) was 13 years old when he was brought to Mamaghar. He is 20 years now. He has studied up to class seven.

Coach Manoj Sharma feels pride in training players like Raju, Shushant, Samir and Santalal He is not disheartened although Nepal lacks the infrastructure for hockey. He trains them regularly and provides all necessary kits free of cost.

“I am thankful to the helping hands at Mamaghar. I request all  to look at the street children with kindness and positive attitude. If provided opportunities, they can also reach great heights,” Raju says. “I am grateful that I could receive so much love and help which has enabled me to lead my team as a captain in different national and international matches,” he adds.

Raju and his mates at Mamaghar have proved that games can transform one’s life positively and that hockey has the charm and power to do so too.