Hrithik Tiwari is more than just FC Goa’s first-choice goalkeeper; he’s a symbol of perseverance and dedication. From his early days in Guwahati to making his mark in the ISL, Hrithik’s journey is a story of hard work, patience, and passion.
On the field, he’s a calm presence, always focused, ready to protect his team. His rise through the ranks has been a testament to his commitment to the sport, and his role as the team’s leader between the posts is now a well-deserved reward.
In this exclusive interview with FieldVision, Hrithik shares insights into his journey, challenges, and dreams. Step in and get to know the goalkeeper behind the gloves.
Stepping into the No. 1 Role
For a goalkeeper, securing the No. 1 spot is both a dream and a daunting challenge. Hrithik Tiwari, after years of perseverance, has finally stepped into that coveted role at FC Goa, embracing the responsibility with unwavering determination.
“It’s an incredible feeling, to be honest. It’s something I’ve worked towards for a long time, and now that I have this opportunity, I just want to make the most of it. Being the first-choice goalkeeper for a club like FC Goa comes with a lot of responsibility, but I enjoy that pressure. Every game, every training session is a chance to continue to prove myself, to do that I have to continue contributing to the team’s success, and I’m relishing the challenge.”
A Journey from Guwahati to Goa
Few journeys in football are linear, and Tiwari’s was no exception. From playing in school tournaments in Guwahati to refining his craft at the Sports Authority of India (SAI), each step laid the foundation for his rise.
“I’m from Guwahati. Football was always a big part of my life growing up. I played in school tournaments and local leagues, but the real turning point came when I joined the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Guwahati. That’s where I started taking the game more seriously, realizing that I could pursue it professionally. My family and friends were very supportive, and played a big role in my decision. Later, once I got an opportunity to join FC Goa’s youth setup, I knew I had to give it everything.”
Rising Through the Ranks
In football, patience and persistence are just as crucial as talent. Since joining FC Goa in 2019, Tiwari has steadily climbed the ladder, navigating the youth leagues, the Development Team, and finally, the first-team setup in 2021.
“It’s been a journey full of learning and growth. I joined the club in 2019, and since then, I’ve been able to work my way up through the ranks. I played in the Goa and National youth leagues, before getting a spot in the Club’s Development Team that played in the Goa Pro League, Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) and so on, and I have been part of the first-team setup since 2021 after making my debut for them in Durand Cup. Watching and training with experienced goalkeepers has helped me a lot. Now, getting my chance as the No. 1 keeper feels like the reward for all those years of hard work. That said, I still have lots more to learn and achieve, and I have to keep up the work to be able to contribute to the success of my team as well.”
The Unexpected No. 1
Football is often unpredictable, and Tiwari’s emergence as the first-choice goalkeeper this season was anything but expected. With seasoned names like Laxmikant Kattimani and Lara Sharma in the squad, few saw his ascension coming.
“Honestly, at the start of the season, I wasn’t thinking too much about being first choice. My mindset was just to train hard and be ready whenever the opportunity came. Kattimani and Lara are both fantastic goalkeepers, and we push each other every day in training. When I got my chance in the early games, I just focused on performing well, and I am very grateful for the team’s trust and faith in me, especially from the coaching staff.”
Manolo Márquez’s Influence
Some coaches instill fear; others inspire confidence. Manolo Márquez belongs to the latter category, empowering young talents like Tiwari with trust and clear direction.
“Manolo is an amazing coach. He’s very clear with his instructions and has a deep understanding of the game. What I admire most is how he gives confidence to young players. He doesn’t hesitate to trust us if we are performing well in training. For me personally, his belief in my ability has been a huge motivation. He keeps things simple, and his tactical awareness helps us stay organized as a team.”
A Standout Season
Numbers rarely lie, and Tiwari’s performances this season have spoken volumes. Despite missing seven games, he ranks second in minutes per goal conceded and third in the Golden Glove race, making an undeniable impact between the posts.
“It feels great, but I try not to focus too much on individual stats. My main goal is to help the team win. That being said, it does give me confidence to know that my performances have been at a good level. Credit also goes to my defenders and the entire team’s defensive structure. We work hard to stay compact, and that makes my job easier.”
Title Aspirations
Silverware separates the great from the good, and with FC Goa in the semifinals, Tiwari and his teammates are within touching distance of glory.
“Absolutely. We’ve worked really hard this season, and we believe in ourselves. The semifinal is going to be tough, but we’ve shown that we can compete with the best teams. We just need to stay focused, take it one game at a time, and give everything on the pitch. Winning the ISL Cup would mean everything to us and the fans.”
Learning from the Best
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Every goalkeeper thrives on the security of a strong defense, and for Tiwari, playing behind the likes of Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia has been a masterclass in positioning, composure, and leadership.
“Playing behind experienced defenders like Sandesh and Odei has been a huge advantage for me. They communicate a lot, which helps me position myself better. One of the biggest things they’ve taught me is patience – when to rush out, when to stay on my line. They’ve also helped me improve my distribution, making sure I play the ball out at the right moments. Their calming presence, even when there has been a mistake or worst case, a goal conceded, has helped me move on and focus better on what can be done next, instead of dwelling on moments that are gone. Their leadership makes my job easier.”
The Family Connection
Football careers are often built on sacrifice, but behind every player is a family that shares in the struggles and triumphs. A viral image of NorthEast United coach Juan Pedro Benali with Tiwari’s grandmother only reinforced the deep personal ties that fuel his journey.
“My family, especially my grandmother, has played a massive role in my journey. She has always supported me, even when I had to leave home at a young age to pursue football. Seeing that picture meant a lot to me – it showed how much love and support I have from my family. They keep me grounded, and everything I do on the pitch is to make them proud.”
Inspiration Between the Posts
Every young goalkeeper needs idols, and Tiwari found his in two of the modern greats—Manuel Neuer and Alisson Becker—while Indian legend Subrata Paul provided a homegrown source of inspiration.
“As a goalkeeper, I always admired Manuel Neuer and Alisson Becker. Their composure, shot-stopping ability, and leadership has been inspiring. Among Indian keepers, Subrata Paul has been a big inspiration. He set the benchmark for Indian goalkeepers, and watching him play motivated me to improve my game.”
A Legacy in the Making
As our conversation with Hrithik Tiwari drew to a close, one thing stood out—his dedication to FC Goa and his journey from a young boy in Guwahati to becoming the club’s first-choice goalkeeper is nothing short of inspiring. He isn’t just a goalkeeper; he’s a reflection of hard work, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
With every game, Hrithik continues to build on his story, proving that dreams, when fueled by passion and effort, can become reality. His bond with the team, his respect for his coaches and fellow players, and his gratitude towards his family are all testaments to the grounded individual behind the gloves.
As FC Goa pushes towards greater glory, Hrithik Tiwari’s name will surely be etched in their history. The young goalkeeper’s journey is only just beginning, but his ambition and commitment will undoubtedly shape the future of the club, making sure that his legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of footballers.
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