In the 1960s, Walmiki’s grandfather, who worked as a gardener in one of many old sea-facing buildings, made a small space near the parking lot his home. Over the years, several attempts were made by the building owners to evacuate the Walmikis.

These days, even going through daily chores is a struggle for the family of the rising hockey star, whose elder brother Yuvraj plays for Air India. “They have stopped us from using the common toilet. We have been carrying water to our home from a distance and using candles at night for a decade,” says Meena, Walmiki’s mother.

Since the news of Walmiki’s selection for the Junior Asia Cup in Myanmar from November 14, Meena has found new hope. “I have heard one gets flats when he plays for the country. I hope we get one,” she says.

Meena works as a domestic help, and once used to hide hockey sticks from her sons Yuvraj and Devendra so that the boys could concentrate on studies. “I used to think they shouldn’t waste time playing,” says Meena, whose husband Sunil is a driver. Of the two non-sporting brothers, one works at a grocery shop while the other has a disability.

Devendra too feels his big break will change his family’s fortunes. “I always wanted to get my family out of this life. I will try to do well for the country and cement my place in the team,” says the 16-year-old, who impressed selectors in his very first national trials.

Devendra was first spotted by Merzaban Patel, popularly known as Bawa, who runs a local team called Bombay Republicans. Bawa is famous for picking up talented youngsters and grooming a number of eventual Olympic and international players. “I noticed his enthusiasm when, as a 10-year-old, he used to come and watch his brother Yuvraj practise with my team,” says Patel.

Devendra says he also owes a lot to Olympic player Dhanraj Pillay. “He helped me sharpen my skills at his academy and would give me extra time if I had any problem.” Pillay says, “He is ready to learn and hardworking. Such students are always a delight to work with.”