Hrithik Tiwari's Emotional Tribute After AIFF Super Cup Victory
A Night to Remember in Goa
GUWAHATI, Dec 8: For Hrithik Tiwari, the recent night at Fatorda in Goa was not merely about securing another trophy. It represented a culmination of childhood aspirations, countless hours of training, and a heartfelt promise he had nurtured for years. When FC Goa triumphed over East Bengal in a nail-biting penalty shootout, winning the AIFF Super Cup, the 23-year-old goalkeeper from Guwahati experienced a profound sense of fulfillment beyond just victory. He had finally paid homage to someone who had significantly influenced his early dreams.
Hrithik, who has emerged as one of the most reliable young goalkeepers in Indian football, dedicated this victory to an individual who inspired him not through sports, but through music and presence—Zubeen Garg.
He vividly recalls their first encounter. At the age of 14, during a trial at the Gauhati University ground, Hrithik met Zubeen, who was there to participate in an exhibition match aimed at supporting local footballers. The young Hrithik was left in awe.
“His personality struck me,” Hrithik shared. “It wasn’t just his music; his humility and grounded nature touched many lives.”
As Hrithik progressed through various age-group tournaments and eventually joined FC Goa’s senior team, that initial meeting remained etched in his memory. He longed for another chance to meet Zubeen, this time with something to showcase—evidence of how far he had come.
“I wanted to meet Zubeen da after achieving something significant in my life. He would have been thrilled to see my progress,” Hrithik expressed. “I wish I could tell him that I met him 11 years ago, but that opportunity never came.”
Before the final match, he made a silent vow: if he won, it would be a tribute to Zubeen. “This victory is my homage to him,” Hrithik stated, his voice filled with both pride and the weight of unfulfilled wishes.
Hrithik’s journey has been marked by steady growth and discipline. Since joining FC Goa in 2019, he navigated through youth and development squads before making his senior debut in the Durand Cup in 2021, where he achieved a clean sheet. The following seasons were spent waiting for his moment, learning from seasoned goalkeepers, and refining his skills. Patience became an integral part of his training.
This season, his perseverance bore fruit. Standing tall at 190 cm, his composure under pressure has instilled confidence in FC Goa. Coaches and former players have recognized his potential. Gumpe Rime, an AFC Pro Licence coach, hailed him as one of India’s brightest young talents, commending his technique and temperament.
Hrithik has also gained experiences that many young players only dream of. Competing in the AFC Champions League Two against Al-Nassr allowed him to face some of the sport's biggest stars, including Sadio Mane and Joao Felix.
“It’s an incredible experience,” he remarked. “Playing against a top-tier team teaches you so much. It boosts your confidence and motivates you to observe how elite players prepare.”
Although Goa lost both matches, the lessons learned were priceless. He fondly remembers a moment after one match when he spoke to Mane. “I told him he’s one of my favorite players. He smiled and asked, really?” Hrithik chuckled at the memory.
Earlier this year, he traveled with the Indian national team to Tajikistan for the CAFA Nations Cup, where India secured the bronze medal under coach Khalid Jamil. Although he didn’t start, the call-up was a significant milestone in his development.
Now, he gears up for FC Goa’s final AFC Champions League Two match against FC Istiklol on December 24, buoyed by the momentum from his Super Cup success.
Yet, on that celebratory night, amidst the festivities and flashing lights, Hrithik’s thoughts wandered back to a moment on a Guwahati field many years ago—a young boy looking up to an artist who unknowingly left a lasting impression on him. A promise made and fulfilled.
And a victory cherished for reasons beyond the trophy it brought home.