Raipur, April 1: On a warm evening at the ongoing Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Raipur, amid the hum of young girls chasing their own dreams, India footballer Kiran Pisda sat down with a quiet assurance that comes only from having lived hers the hard way.
24-year-old Kiran – who the first woman footballer from Chhattisgarh to represent the senior Indian national team – carries a story that stretches far beyond milestones.
Earlier in the day (March 31) at the Swami Vivekananda Stadium in the state capital, the captain of the Chhattisgarh women’s football team in the ongoing KITG she scored a field goal in the regulation time, and then performed the duties of a custodian in the shootouts against a spirited Arunachal Pradesh side and save a couple of shots to take her team to final.
In a freewheeling and candid conversation with myKhel, Kiran – who is leading the leading goalscorer in the KITG – opened up on everything – from missing out on her first national camp, to evolving into a multi-position player, navigating the pressures of international football, experiencing the stark contrasts of European infrastructure, and meeting legendary footballer Luca Modric.
Early days: A foundation built at home and school
Kiran’s introduction to football came through school, where a strong sporting ecosystem laid the foundation for her journey. “I got interested in football because my school was very supportive. I got opportunities to play at the state and national level in school games,” the Kickstart FC forward in the Indian Women’s League said.
Support at home ensured that interest turned into intent. Her father Mahesh Ram Pisda and mother Milapa Pisda backed her pursuit, while her brothers – Khemraj Pisda and Girish Pisda – played a key role in shaping her early ambition. Girish, a national-level player himself, became an immediate reference point for what was possible.
Those early years, marked by opportunity and encouragement, quietly set the stage for what was to come.
An early reality check that changed everything
Her first brush with the national setup in 2015, while still in Class 12, was a breakthrough, but it soon gave her a reality check. “I wasn’t physically ready and my mindset was not strong enough. Playing alongside senior players was very different,” she admitted.
But what could have stalled her journey instead sharpened it. “I realised my weaknesses – fitness, positioning and mindset. I worked on all of it. I told myself I will stay positive no matter what.”
Guiding her through this phase was mentor Yogesh Kumar Jangara, whose emphasis on mental resilience helped her turn rejection into direction.
Reinvention and rise through domestic football
Progress followed through persistence. Stints with Mata Rukmani FC and Kerala Blasters helped her rebuild, refine and rediscover her game. More importantly, she evolved.
“I started as a striker, then moved to midfield, and now I play as a full-back for the national team. I always play where the team needs me,” Kiran – who plays as a forward with Kickstart FC in the ongoing Indian Women’s League – added.
That adaptability became her biggest strength – and eventually, her entry point into the Indian team. She went on to represent India, including being part of the SAF Championship 2022 in Nepal, marking her arrival at the highest level.
Under current coach Sarita Kujur, she continues to work on consistency – the next step in her evolution.
A quiet trailblazer from Chhattisgarh
In a state where sporting recognition in the present time has often leaned heavily towards cricket, players like Shashank Singh have grabbed headlines with performances on the IPL stage.
Kiran’s journey, in contrast, has unfolded away from the spotlight – but its significance runs just as deep. As the first woman footballer from Chhattisgarh to represent the senior Indian team, she is not just breaking barriers, but redrawing them.
For young girls from tribal regions, her story is not just inspirational – it is directional. It tells them where the path can lead. “A lot of young girls in the tribal parts of the state look up to Kiran as a role model. She has definitely opened a pathway for these young girls who aspire to achieve something in their lives,” Sarita tells myKhel.
Europe: A different world, a defining chapter
Her move to Dinamo Zagreb in 2023-24 season marked a turning point – both professionally and personally. “My family was scared initially – it was far, different weather, different food. But they understood it was a big opportunity,” she said.
What followed validated that belief. Playing across midfield and defence, contributing with goals and assists, Kiran was part of a historic campaign as Dinamo Zagreb clinched the Croatian Women’s League title for the first time.
One moment, however, stood out above the rest. During her stint in Croatia, Kiran had the opportunity to meet legendary Luka Modrić – an experience she describes as unforgettable. “It was one of the best moments of my life. He’s such a humble footballer,” she recalls.
But beyond the medal and memories, it was the exposure that left a lasting impact. “At the grassroots level, the difference is huge. What players learn here in 12-13 years, they learn there in 5-6 years. Their infrastructure is far ahead.”
It was less a comparison, more a realisation of what Indian football could aspire to become.
When adaptability became instinct
If her journey has been about adapting, one moment captured it perfectly. In a high-pressure semi-final, Kiran had already contributed with a goal as her team took control of the game. But as the contest slipped into a draw and stretched into a shootout, an unexpected challenge emerged – the team’s goalkeeper was unwell.
What followed was instinct over hesitation. Kiran stepped into goal. With prior experience in the position, she trusted her ability – and delivered. Two crucial saves later, she had guided her team into the final. It wasn’t just a match-winning contribution. It was a reflection of who she has become – a player defined not by position, but by purpose, as well as a leader.
The road ahead: Bigger dreams, same mindset
Setbacks still exist – missed selections, tough tournaments, unmet expectations. But Kiran’s approach remains unchanged. “It hurts, but I take it as positive energy. I have to work harder and earn my place again.”
Her long-term vision is clear. “My aim is to do well in the IWL and help my club win the title for that will also help get back in the national reckoning.”
Professional reality: Uncertainty, ambition and the road ahead
Even as her career has taken her from domestic leagues to Europe, Kiran remains grounded about the realities of women’s football in India. “There is nothing fixed when it comes to clubs. We keep changing teams every year,” she said, pointing to the lack of long-term stability in the domestic structure.
Financially too, the ecosystem is still evolving as the clubs are trying to stay financially viable. For now, she is playing in India – but her ambitions remain global. “If I get a good opportunity abroad again, I will definitely go,” she said.
For someone who has already travelled from the margins to the main stage, that next step may not be as distant as it once seemed.
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