Kathmandu, July 14 -- Aashish Rai had spent his childhood chasing one dream-to don the Nepal national team jersey. Not even his father's repeated attempts to hide his football boots could keep him away from the game. Then, in the 36th minute of a friendly between Nepal U23 and a representative team of China on February 15 last year, that dream suddenly appeared in jeopardy.

Nepal were trailing 0-1 in front of a loud crowd at Dasharath Stadium. Rai, a midfielder, collected the ball near the halfway line, flicked it past one defender and burst into open space. As another defender closed in, the two collided. Rai tumbled to the ground, his left knee twisting unnaturally. Within seconds, it was clear something was terribly wrong.

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