Meet Saumya Escarré, Delhi Orphan Finds Home On Spain's Hockey Fields

Found abandoned at the age of two, amidst the chaos of Delhi railway station, destiny played a pivotal role in the life of Saumya Escarré García-Solera, guided by the benevolence of Spanish hockey legend Juan Escarré. Now, at the age of twelve, she thrives in the embrace of her adoptive parents in Spain, fostering a burgeoning dream to wield a hockey stick with prowess.

The Genesis of a Lifelong Bond

Juan Escarré, a popular figure in Spanish hockey, has not only left a lasting mark on the sport but also etched a deep impact on Saumya's life. His love affair with India began in 1996, and he described the experience as a pilgrimage. Fast forward to 2005, when Escarré returned, this time not just as a player but as the Spanish men’s hockey team’s assistant coach for the Hockey Pro League in Odisha. India, he declared, had become more than a destination; it was now his daughter's home.

Saumya Escarré García-Solera blossomed into a "happy child, funny and cheerful," according to her adoptive father. Juan Escarré emotionally recalls Saumya's initial days in Alicante—her joy by the sea, her steps on the hockey pitch, and even her first encounter with the shower—a stark contrast to the frightened child he met six years prior.

A Journey of Compassion and Adoption

The adoption journey, however, was fraught with challenges. Escarré and his wife, Gracia, decided to extend their family, not just biologically but through adoption. The desire to make a difference led them to choose India as the source of their adopted child. Escarré's affinity for India, developed through years of playing and living in various cities, solidified their decision.

The adoption process proved arduous, lasting two years with little communication from the involved agencies. Just as hope waned, the call came, and the family of three boarded a flight to New Delhi, where they met Saumya at the orphanage. A six-year-old then, Saumya's mysterious past, traced back to being found at a Delhi train station at the age of two, only added to the emotional complexity of their journey.

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Saumya's integration into her new life in Spain was not without challenges. Escarré acknowledges the initial difficulties, highlighting the important role played by her elder sister, Martina, in aiding Saumya's assimilation. The siblings, now inseparable, engage in the usual squabbles that characterise sisterhood.

Looking Forward, Cherishing the Present

When asked about Saumya's memories of her life in India, Escarré notes that she's too young to dwell on the past. He anticipates her curiosity as she grows older but remains unfazed, for the family is bound by emotional ties. Instead, Escarré jests about his worry: Saumya's reluctance to wear a Spain hockey jersey, expressing his intent to gift her an Indian hockey jersey—a tangible connection to her roots.