ISL side Odisha FC sign Hrithik Tiwari, announce contract extensions of four players
Odisha FC make large strides to strengthen their squad for the upcoming 2026-27 ISL season.
Indian Super League (ISL) side Odisha FC have shown their intent of change for the upcoming ISL season, by making big decisions ahead of their start to the season.
After a not so up to the mark season from the Kalinga Warriors with a 12th place finish in the 2025-26 ISL season, Odisha FC seek a breath of fresh new success.
To showcase their commitment to success, Odisha FC have completed the signing of 2025-26 ISL season Golden Glove winner Hrithik Tiwari, while also announcing the contract extension the contract of 4 players, Suhair VP, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Lalthathanga Khawlhring (Puitea) and Tejas Krishna.
A brief look at Hrithik Tiwari’s career
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The 24-year-old goalkeeper arrives at the Kalinga Warriors following an outstanding campaign with FC Goa, where he recorded five clean sheets in 10 ISL appearances to claim the Golden Glove. He also made 25 saves during the campaign, underlining his contribution to one of the league’s strongest defensive records.
Tiwari’s rise has been built on patience and consistency. After developing with SAI Guwahati, he joined FC Goa’s youth setup in 2019 before progressing through the club’s development and senior teams. He made his senior debut in the Durand Cup in 2021 and his ISL debut during the 2021–22 season.
His breakthrough came in the 2024–25 season, when he stepped into the FC Goa first team and established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Tiwari finished that campaign with 19 appearances and seven clean sheets, along with a 74.29% save percentage.
His performances continued into the following season, culminating in the ISL Golden Glove award and recognition among the league’s standout Indian players
Speaking about his move to Odisha FC, Hrithik said: “I’m very happy to join Odisha FC and excited for this new chapter in my career. Winning the Golden Glove last season gave me a lot of confidence, but I know there is still a lot more to achieve. I’m looking forward to working with the team, getting started with the Kalinga Warriors and giving my best for the club and its supporters.”
Hrithik now joins Odisha FC as the latest addition to the club’s goalkeeping department, bringing with him the experience and confidence of a goalkeeper coming off a breakthrough season at the highest level of Indian football.
Odisha FC retain four key first-team players
Odisha FC announced contract extensions for Suhair VP, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul Henry, Lalthathanga Khawlhring (Puitea) and Tejas Krishna, securing the futures of four members of the first-team squad.
Suhair, Edwin and Puitea have each signed one-year extensions, keeping them at the club until the end of the 2026–27 Indian Super League season. Tejas, meanwhile, has committed his future to the Kalinga Warriors until 2028.
Suhair enjoyed a productive 2025–26 campaign, finding the net four times in the ISL and providing an attacking presence for the team.
Edwin brought valuable experience and versatility to the squad, operating across midfield and defence, while Puitea continued to play an important role in the middle of the park.
Tejas, who joined Odisha FC during the 2025–26 season, has now agreed to a longer-term extension, underlining the club’s belief in his development and future contribution.
The four extensions form part of Odisha FC’s continued efforts to build a competitive squad with a balance of experience, continuity and long-term potential ahead of the 2026–27 season.
Who is the head coach of Odisha FC?
The Head Coach of Odisha FC is T.G. Purushothaman
When will the ISL 2026-27 season start?
The new ISL season will start on 10th October, 2026.
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