The Assam Gaurav awardee wants greater recognition for sportspersons, dedicates his honour to his wife and urges aspiring footballers not to lose hope amid Indian football’s uncertainties
By Prarthana Hazarika
Guwahati, Oct 25: For Holicharan Narzary, the journey from the football fields of Assam to the highest levels of Indian football has been built on sacrifice, persistence and an unwavering belief that hard work will eventually find its reward.
Now, as the experienced forward receives the prestigious Assam Gaurav award, the recognition carries a meaning that goes beyond personal achievement. It is an acknowledgement of years spent pursuing a dream and an opportunity to send a message to the next generation of footballers navigating an uncertain future.
In an exclusive conversation with The Meghalayan Express, Narzary spoke about the significance of the honour, the need for greater recognition of sportspersons, the sacrifices behind his career and his message to young players who continue to dream of making it big in Indian football.
For the footballer, one of the most meaningful aspects of the award is the encouragement it could provide to aspiring athletes, particularly those playing in villages and smaller communities where opportunities and resources can be limited.
“I think there should be more awards for sportspersons. If young players receive such recognition, they will feel encouraged to work harder and move forward in their careers,” Narzary said.
He believes that recognising sporting achievements can inspire young people who are still finding their feet in the game. For players who train away from the spotlight, such honours can serve as a reminder that dedication and perseverance matter.
A recognition that belongs to his family, too
Behind every successful footballer is a journey that often involves sacrifices made by people beyond the playing field. For Narzary, his wife has been an important part of that journey, making her the natural choice when asked whom he would dedicate the award to.
“I want to dedicate this award to my wife. After we got married, I went on to win the ISL and then the I-League. I want to dedicate this honour to her,” he said.
The sentiment offers a glimpse into the personal side of a career spent competing at the highest level of Indian club football. Achievements on the pitch may carry an individual’s name, but the journey towards them is rarely a solo effort.
For Narzary, the award is therefore not merely a moment to celebrate his own accomplishments but also an opportunity to acknowledge the person who has shared his journey.
‘Keep working hard, never stop’
Indian football has faced considerable uncertainty, leaving young players concerned about their prospects and the direction of the sport. For those who have invested years in training, the question is increasingly difficult: is the effort worth it?
Narzary’s answer is rooted in the principle that has guided his own career — keep working, regardless of the circumstances.
“Whatever young players are doing, whether they are training at home or playing in their villages, they should not stop working hard. Keep going. Never give up,” he said.
He acknowledged the difficult phase Indian football is experiencing but urged aspiring players not to allow frustration to derail their ambitions.
“Sometimes the situation may not be good, but that does not mean you should stop working hard. Success may come one day. The hard work you are putting in now will help you in the future,” Narzary said.
His message is particularly relevant to footballers who are still developing their careers and may feel discouraged by administrative problems or uncertainty surrounding the sport.
Narzary believes that the effort young players invest today can prove valuable when better opportunities emerge. He also expressed hope that those responsible for the game would work towards creating a stronger future for the next generation.
Beyond individual success
For a state with a deep connection to football, Narzary’s recognition also carries significance for aspiring players across Assam and the wider Northeast. The region has produced footballers who have represented the country and competed in major domestic competitions, yet the pathway from grassroots football to a sustained professional career remains challenging.
His call for greater recognition of athletes reflects the importance of creating an environment in which young players feel that their efforts are valued and their ambitions worth pursuing.
The Assam Gaurav awards recognise contributions across sports, agriculture, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and tourism, honouring individuals and organisations whose work has made a wider impact.
For Narzary, the honour is both a personal milestone and a message to those still chasing their dreams: difficult circumstances should not become a reason to abandon them.
The road ahead for Indian football may remain uncertain, but his advice to the next generation is clear — keep training, keep believing and do not allow temporary setbacks to decide the outcome of a lifelong ambition.
Because, as Narzary’s own journey suggests, the work put in today may become the foundation for tomorrow’s success.
