From tribal roots to national colours: Chhattisgarh star footballer Kiran Pisda’s story of grit and growth

Raipur, April 2 (IANS) When Kiran Pisda stepped into the goal for the penalty shootout against Arunachal Pradesh in the semi-finals of the Khelo India Tribal Games, she drew on all her experience handling challenges and setbacks, which only strengthened her resilience.

At 24, Kiran likely reaches the height of her skills and abilities. She has already competed in league football across Europe and is now close to earning her spot on the Indian team for major international tournaments.

However, the journey was relatively smooth thanks to early support from her school and family, with her brother Girish, a national-level player, serving as her inspiration.

“I got a lot of support in school. That’s where I got opportunities to play at the state and national level, and with every selection, my confidence kept growing,” Kiran told SAI Media.

Kiran later relocated to Raipur to study a physical education degree. During the Chhattisgarh Women’s League, she attracted scouts’ attention and received a call-up to a national camp.

“At that time, I was not physically fit enough and my mind-set was not at the level required to compete with senior players. I realised that whatever experience I gained there, I had to work on it,” Kiran admitted while explaining why that stint with in the national camp did not result in selection for the national team.

What followed was a phase of intense self-improvement. She worked on her physical fitness, began analysing matches closely, and improved her positional awareness. But the most significant change came in Kiran’s mental approach.

“I told myself that no matter what happens, I will not think negatively. If you become negative, it directly affects your performance,” she explained.

Her mentor, coach Yogesh Kumar Jangra, played a vital role in this transformation. “Whenever I feel low or think that I am not performing well, I speak to him. He always tells me to stay positive and keeps motivating me,” she said.

Her diligent efforts gradually bore fruit. Her performances nationally led to opportunities with clubs like Kerala Blasters, where she kept developing. Her greatest asset became her adaptability. “I started as a striker, then played in midfield, and now I play as a full-back for the national team. As a footballer, you should be ready to play in multiple positions for your team,” she said.

Kiran has represented India multiple times, including the 2022 SAFF Championship, and has also played for Dinamo Zagreb in the Croatian Women’s League. However, rejection has remained a part of her journey. Missing out on major tournaments, such as the recent AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, challenged her once again.

“It hurts when you don’t get selected for big tournaments. Every player feels it,” she says. “But now I look at it differently. I take it as motivation to work harder and come back stronger.”

Handling pressure has become one of her key strengths. Whether competing for a place on the team or performing in important matches, Kiran has mastered staying calm.

“When you play at a higher level, pressure is always there. You have to learn how to handle it,” she noted. Kiran also highlighted the role of team performance in shaping individual confidence. “If the team is doing well, every player feels confident. But when the team is losing, individual performance also gets affected.”

Kiran, with her tribal background, is keenly aware of the difficulties faced by players from distant areas. She recognizes that initiatives like the Khelo India Tribal Games are essential in closing that divide.

“There is so much talent in tribal areas, but players don’t always get opportunities. The Khelo India Tribal Games has given them a platform to showcase their talent. It gives them confidence and motivation to dream of playing for the state and even for India,” Kiran added.

Kiran’s immediate goal is to maintain consistent performances in domestic tournaments such as the Indian Women’s League and secure regular national team selections. However, she has broader aspirations.

“I want to keep improving, perform consistently, and represent India in big tournaments. If you don’t get selected, it doesn’t mean you are not a good player. It just means you have to work harder,” she concluded.

–IANS

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