EXCLUSIVE: ISL best platform for Indian footballers, says Halicharan Narzary

Having made his professional debut a decade back with AIFF's developmental side Indian Arrows in I-League, Narzary rose through junior national ranks before making India senior debut in 2015.

Hyderabad: Halicharan Narzary is one of the top young Indian footballers who caught the eyeballs this season with his skillful wing play. The 26-year-old winger has so far featured in six fixtures of Hyderabad FC. Joining the franchise on a two-year deal, Narzary has proved himself as a key member of Manolo Marquez's team. Having played 529 minutes in six games, Narzary became a dependable Indian player for HFC. With a passing accuracy of 66.84 per cent, the Assamese player is being touted as one of the future stars of Indian national team.

Having made his professional debut a decade back with AIFF's developmental side Indian Arrows in I-League, Narzary rose through junior national ranks before making India senior debut in 2015.

In the ongoing season, he has demonstrated outstanding performance providing 184 passes and scoring a goal against SC East Bengal. His 69th-minute deal sealed the game 3-2 in HFC's favour.

In club football, he played for Dempo SC for three seasons after joining the Goa club in 2013. In ISL, he made his debut for NorthEast United in 2015. In 2018, he played for Kerala Blasters and spent a season with Chennyain FC on loan in 2019. In 2020, he has penned a two-year deal with the Hyderabad FC till the end of the 2021-22 season.

Amid his busy training schedule, Narzary takes his time out to talk about the benefits of playing ISL, his experience of playing under coach Marquez, the reason why opted to play football over other sports, among other things, during his exclusive interview with ETV Bharat.

Q. You are from Kokrajhar, Assam. What inspired you to play football?

Narzary: My father. He is my inspiration and I owe him everything. When he could not afford to buy me a ball, he used to teach me to play with a Pomelo fruit and I still remember it very well. My entire football life is dedicated to him.

Halicharan Narzary celebrates after scoring the winning goal for Hyderabad FC against SC East Bengal.

Q. This is your first season with Hyderabad FC which has so far put up a good performance in the ISL 2020-21. How has HFC uplifted their game following last season's bottom place finish?

Narzary: I think Hyderabad FC were out of luck last season. They had decent players but could not get the right results. However, this season, we have a very strong and competitive squad that only wants to win. We work hard as a team and have players who bring in a lot of energy to training and games. So, hopefully, we will have a better season this time around.

Q. You have scored against SC East Bengal, your first goal in ISL 2020-2021. How did you celebrate the goal against a legacy club like East Bengal, especially your goal helped HFC win the game 3-2?

Narzary: I am happy to be a part of this club and even more happy to help them win the game with the goal. It was a special moment for me and I enjoyed my first goal with Hyderabad. I always want to thank the fans who support me and show trust in me. I salute fans for being with us amid this health crisis. They are our inspiration.

Q. How has your experience been playing under Manolo Marquez?

Narzary: It has so far been an amazing experience under our new coach. He is a popular figure in Spain but is really friendly with every individual in the squad. His way of being friendly in need and being strict whenever required is what is keeping the team on their toes, working hard and making this season an enjoyable one for everyone involved.

Q. How are you enjoying your role in the team as a winger?

Narzary: I have always wanted to be a winger. In this position, I believe I can make an impact in every game. I can score goals, can create chances, can put in crosses and can also help out my backline, all things I love to do on a football field.

Halicharan Narzary made his India senior debut in 2015 against Nepal.

Q. Who is your best teammate(s) with whom you share special rapport both off and on the field?

Narzary: Mohammad Yasir and Chinglensana Singh. Both of them are quality players and I have previously played with them. They are happy to help me improve and are also open to suggestions, which makes all of us grow as a team.

Q. Is ISL helping you develop your game and grow financially?

Narzary: The Indian Super League is the best platform for players in India to showcase their skills. For me, I am learning every day, improving my skills and fitness at the highest level and I believe this is the right place for me to develop as a football player at the moment.

-- By Sudipta Biswas