Kiran Pisda's Football Journey: Overcoming Setbacks to Aim for National Glory
In a high-stakes penalty shootout against Arunachal Pradesh during the Khelo India Tribal Games semi-finals, Kiran Pisda relied on years of grit as she donned goalkeeping gloves. For the 24-year-old, this moment symbolized a career built on overcoming setbacks and constant evolution.
From Rural Roots to International Exposure
Hailing from a rural village in Balod district of Chhattisgarh, Pisda has already competed in the Croatian Women's League for Dinamo Zagreb. Her focus now is on securing a permanent spot in the Indian national squad for upcoming international tournaments. While she received early support from her school and family, including her brother Girish Pisda, a national-level player himself, her path was not without significant hurdles.
After moving to Raipur to pursue a degree in physical education, her performance in the Chhattisgarh Women's League earned her a national camp call-up. However, she missed out on selection for the final squad at that time, which she attributes to both physical and mental preparation gaps.
Adaptation and Mentorship as Keys to Growth
"I realised I was not physically fit enough then, and my mental preparation to compete with senior players was lacking," Pisda said. She noted that this experience served as a catalyst for a rigorous phase of self-improvement. She credits her mentor and coach, Yogesh Kumar Jangde, for helping her maintain a positive mindset throughout this challenging period.
Pisda's versatility has been a hallmark of her career. "I started as a striker, moved to midfield, and now play as a full-back for the national team. A footballer must be ready to adapt to any position the team requires," she emphasized. This adaptability has been crucial in her development as a player.
Recent Challenges and Future Goals
Despite having represented India in the 2022 SAFF Championship, Pisda recently faced another challenge after missing selection for the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia. Rather than viewing this as a defeat, she sees such setbacks as motivation to push harder and improve her game.
Currently, Pisda is focused on maintaining consistency in domestic competitions, including the Indian Women's League (IWL). Her long-term goal remains securing a regular place in the national team for major global championships. Through perseverance and continuous adaptation, she continues to work toward making her mark on the international stage.
