Raipur, April 2 A striker, Kiran Pisda, who started as a forward before developing into a full-back for the national team, transformed into a goalkeeper for her home state Chhattisgarh in the semifinals of the ongoing Khelo India Tribal Games here.
Chhattisgarh defeated Arunachal Pradesh 3-2 to secure their spot in the final against West Bengal on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old Kiran, who has 11 India caps, has already played league football in Croatia. Her brother, Girish, who is also a national-level player, is her inspiration.
Kiran moved to Raipur to pursue a degree in physical education, and it was during the Chhattisgarh Women's League that she caught the attention of scouts and was invited to a national training camp.
"At that time, I wasn't physically fit enough, and my mindset wasn't at the level required to compete with senior players," Kiran told SAI media, explaining why her stint in the national camp did not result in her selection for the team.
She worked on her physical fitness, began analyzing matches closely, and improved her positional awareness. However, the most significant change came in Kiran's mental approach.
"I told myself that no matter what happens, I would not think negatively. If you become negative, it directly affects your performance," she said.
Her hard work gradually paid off. Her performances at the domestic level opened doors to clubs like Kerala Blasters, where she continued to develop. One of her biggest strengths became her versatility.
"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 squad. She has also played for the Croatian Women's League for Dinamo Zagreb.
However, she missed out on selection for major tournaments such as the recently concluded AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia.
"It's disappointing when you don't get selected for big tournaments. Every player feels it," she said.
Coming from a tribal background, Kiran is deeply aware of the challenges faced by players from remote regions. She believes platforms like the Khelo India Tribal Games are playing a crucial role in bridging that gap.
"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 said.
Her immediate focus is on consistent performances in domestic competitions like the Indian Women's League and earning regular national call-ups.
