From a Lost Child to a Guiding Star
From a Lost Child to a
Guiding Star
This is the inspiring journey of Mr. Murugaraj (Shiva), a runaway child who overcame hardships to become a football coach and the founder of the Indian Young Sporting Alliance (IYSA). Born into a family of nine in Hyderabad, Mr. Murugaraj faced a turbulent childhood due to his alcoholic father’s abuse. His two elder brothers had already run away, and at the age of six, unable to endure the violence, he too made a daring escape. During a family trip to Tirupati, he seized an opportunity, boarded a train alone, and ended up in Pune. Rescued by Don Bosco staff, he was given shelter and care. Attempts to reunite him with his family were unsuccessful, and after several transfers between Don Bosco centers, he was placed at Don Bosco Ajjanahalli, Ramnagara District, which is adjacent to Bangalore Metro City, Karnataka State where he started school.
In Grade 5, he discovered his passion for sports and excelled in multiple disciplines, including athletics, shot put, kho-kho, kabaddi, and football. Recognizing his talent, Bosco authorities moved him to St. Joseph’s School, Bangalore, where he continued his sporting journey. He won several state-level competitions and ran his first marathon in Grade 8th. In 2013, he was selected for football training in France, but his circumstances prevented him from going.
Undeterred, he pursued professional football coaching while earning his B.Com from Surana College, Bangalore. Between 2014-2015, he trained with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and played for BUFC U-19 and Karnataka State Team. By 2019, he had reached the BUFC Super Division but was forced to quit due to low blood pressure during an important match.
Although his football career ended early, Mr. Murugaraj turned his setback into an opportunity to uplift underprivileged children. Understanding their struggles, he pursued his AIFF D-License Coaching Certification and, in 2019, founded Don Bosco Football Club, providing free football training. His trainees advanced to A-Division and Super Division leagues. In 2022, he established Indian Young Sporting Alliance (IYSA), an NGO that provides sports training to underprivileged children in communities, government schools, and childcare homes. IYSA’s staff consists of rescued children like him, ensuring the cycle of empowerment continues.
Key Achievements:
- Certified D License Coach from All India Football Federation (AIFF) in 2019.
- Selected for the Karnataka State football team – U-19
- Selected for the Bangalore Football Club (BFC) U-19 team
- Participated in state-level football for the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and BUFC Super Division (2019)
- College champion in Chess and Carrom
- Represented his college in a state-level floorball competition
- Played professional football for clubs like Navrathna Football Club and Red United Football Club
- Competed at the Karnataka State level in multiple sports, including 100m