Hopegivers International transforms India orphans into soccer champions

A Hopegivers International orphanage soccer team won the Rajasthan state soccer title in India for its age bracket earlier in the month.

The team returned home from the 1-0 victory over Jhodpur District and was honoured with a parade-like procession through the town. Since winning the title, five of the children from the team have been selected to try out for India's under-17 national team.

"These children were orphaned or unwanted before we rescued them, and now they are the pride of our city and state," said Dr MA Thomas, founder of Hopegivers International. "Achievements in sports are excellent, but I am more excited about what these children will achieve in life."

Though teammates, many of the children come from different states and cultures, and even speak different languages. All of them, though, are tied by their poverty-stricken backgrounds. Most of the orphans were living on the streets or in war-torn states before finding a home at a Hopegivers-sponsored Hope Home.

The boys soccer team is not the only team of Hope Home orphans from Kota to earn accolades on the field. The boys softball team won first place in the Kota district and state finals, while the girls volleyball team finished second in the Kota district, and the girls softball team won second place in the Kota district and third in the state. A total of 31 teams and more than 500 children participated in these sports.

"These kids have become champions, not just because of their accomplishments in their respective sports. They know they are loved whether they win or lose," said Dr. Thomas.

This accomplishment marks the first time a team from an orphanage has won the state title. It also marks the first time a team from Kota district has walked away with the championship.