Ashish Chetry: Rising Star of Indian Football Inspired by Ronaldo
Ashish Chetry's Journey in Football
File image of Ashish Chetry. (AT Photo)
Guwahati, May 27: Before each match, Ashish Chetry immerses himself in videos of Cristiano Ronaldo. These clips serve as motivation, especially during challenging times. For the 17-year-old from Udalguri, Ronaldo embodies a philosophy rather than just a sports icon.
“I admire Ronaldo for his relentless spirit,” Ashish shared. “His determination inspires me to improve and give my all.”
This mindset appears to be paying off, as Ashish has received an invitation to join the India Under-20 Men's National Team Camp, where trials will take place in Karnataka from June 15 to 18. This opportunity comes ahead of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers set for late August. For a young man from a farming background in Assam, this is a significant achievement.
“I must perform at my best to advance further. I understand the challenges ahead, but I am prepared,” he stated.
Impressive Performance Statistics
Playing as a striker for Hindustan Zinc's Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) in Udaipur, Ashish concluded the 2025-26 AIFF Under-18 Elite League season with an impressive tally of 25 goals in 21 matches, including five hat-tricks. He emerged as ZFA's leading scorer and ranked second nationally, contributing to the academy's best-ever finish as runners-up in the competition.
Ashish's path to Udaipur was not straightforward. He began his career in Assam, progressing through the Assam Football Association's system before moving to SGVP FC in Gujarat, where he clinched the GSFA U-17 Club Championship in 2025 and earned the Player of the Tournament title. He joined ZFA the same year, where the enhanced quality and structure significantly boosted his development.
He is not alone in making waves at the Udaipur academy. Midfielder Bryant Dihingia from Tinsukia has garnered attention for his tactical awareness and composure on the field.
Goalkeeper Rishi Konwar from Duliajan has proven to be a reliable presence in goal, while Dwiden Boro, also from Udalguri, is working hard to recover from a PCL injury and is still recognized as a player of great character within the squad.
Four players from Assam, approximately 2,500 km away from their hometowns, are making their mark on the national stage.
“Ashish's selection for the national team is a moment of pride not only for Zinc Football Academy but for Assam football as a whole,” remarked Tarun Roy, technical director at ZFA. “Alongside talents like Bryant, Rishi, and Dwiden, he exemplifies the kind of players we strive to develop. Our goal is to provide the ideal environment for young athletes to excel.”
Established in 2018 and rated three stars by the All India Football Federation, ZFA has a strong history of nurturing players for India's age-group teams. The academy has recently launched what it claims to be India's first residential football academy for girls, welcoming an inaugural group of 20 players from rural areas.
For Ashish, however, the immediate goal is clear: to succeed in the trials, secure a spot in the final squad, and emulate Ronaldo's work ethic.
The dream continues, but the real challenge lies ahead.