Patience is key to success, as are hard work and determination. FC Goa showstopper Hrithik Tiwari is a classic example of how to resist with time and turn adversities into glory.

A boy from Guwahati, who used to play in school tournaments and local leagues, dreamed of showcasing his potential on the big stage. From joining the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to being a part of the FC Goa youth system in 2019, such steps crafted Tiwari's professional career, bringing him under the sheds of spotlight.

Tiwari's football career gradually navigated through the ranks of the FC Goa development team, for whom he played in the Goa Pro League and the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The 23-year-old goalkeeper earned his senior team call-up in 2021 and made his Indian Super League (ISL) debut against Kerala Blasters FC in the same season.

In the coming seasons, chances didn't come his way, as Tiwari had a single ISL appearance to his name prior to the 2024-25 season. Despite not being a regular face in FC Goa's matchday squad, the custodian continued to push himself in training sessions, striving for improvement.

Tiwari's endurance finally paid off this season, where long-term injuries to the first-choice goalkeepers, in the likes of Laxmikant Kattimani and Lara Sharma, opened the door to the first eleven, and that too in a regular manner. The FC Goa youth system graduate grabbed this opportunity with both hands and rose to the occasion, delivering match-winning performances in crucial games.

Tiwari has shown his composed temperament and mature attitude between the sticks with time, sealing his place in the Gaurs' backline. He has featured in 18 games this season, where he kept seven clean sheets. He averaged two saves per game thus far this season with a 75% saving percentage and logged 122 successful distributions while also saving a penalty.

Tiwari believed it was nothing but his hard work and immense commitment to the game that helped him perform impressively for FC Goa.

“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," he told FieldVision.

"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," he added.

FC Goa finished just behind Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the league stage, securing second place on the points table and earning a direct spot in the ISL semi-finals. The Gaurs succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the semi-final at the Kanteerava Stadium. They will now aim for a strong comeback in the return leg at Fatorda to book a place in the ISL Cup final.

While quizzed about their journey to the ISL playoffs and their chances of winning the ISL Cup for the first time, Tiwari answered,

"Absolutely. We’ve worked really hard this season, and we believe in ourselves. It 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," he continued.

FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez played a pivotal role in Tiwari's emergence this season, helping him gain confidence. Tiwari believes the Spaniard's philosophy of trusting young prospects and his straightforward coaching style help players adapt to his system.

“Manolo (Marquez) 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," Tiwari acknowledged.

"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," he added.

FC Goa boast a formidable defensive unit, with the experienced centre-back duo of Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia leading the charge at the back. Tiwari expressed his pleasure at having such a dependable backline guiding him every time he takes the field.

“Playing behind experienced defenders like Sandesh (Jhingan) and Odei (Onaindia) 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," he said.

"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," Tiwari concluded.