CG's Kiran kicks ball down history as India qualifies for AFC women's asian cup after more than a decade

Time of India

a day ago

Raipur: On a rugged, undulating patch of ground filled with gravel in Balod—a dusty town in Chhattisgarh—she kicked her first football barefoot and took to the game with her two brothers.
Since no girls played football in the town, she played with boys, unmindful of the injuries she suffered while chasing a dream that many never dared.
Today, the tribal girl, Kiran Pisda, 23, has broken into the playing eleven of India's senior women's team and booked a place for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. Kiran is the pride of Chhattisgarh, motivating young kids from the hinterland to dream big and work towards that goal with hard work and perseverance.
Hailing from a middle-class family, with her father working as an assistant superintendent in the Balod district collectorate, Kiran also excels in academics and is currently pursuing her bachelor's in physical education (BPEd).
Talking to TOI, Kiran said, "There were neither any coaches nor proper facilities, including sports equipment, during my school days. We were only given a football, and girls never took to football.
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But I loved the game and started playing with boys, including my two brothers, which gave me confidence and an advantage when playing against women. I also got both my ankles injured while playing on the dusty, stony ground.
Even now, when I visit the ground, I see children playing barefoot in the same conditions, often injuring themselves."
"Initially, I started as a striker when I began playing professional football, but over time my position shifted.
Now I play as a defender," she said.
Sharing her excitement about India's historic qualification for the AFC Women's Championship, Kiran said, "Five nations — Mongolia, Iraq, Timor-Leste, India, and hosts Thailand — competed in the qualifying round. Only one team advanced to the main tournament. We won all four of our matches, beating Mongolia 13-0, Iraq 7-0, Timor-Leste 4-0, and finally Thailand 2-1. Defeating Thailand on their home turf was particularly challenging," she said.
"India qualifying for the Asian Cup after more than a decade is a big milestone for women's football in the country. I am really looking forward to representing India in the 2026 championship."
Kiran previously represented India at the 2022 South Asian Football Championship in Nepal. While celebrating the squad's historic qualification, the Chhattisgarh Football Association acknowledged the role of institutional support in nurturing athletes.
They expressed gratitude to NTPC Korba for supporting Kiran's training and development.
Sarita Kujur Toppo, senior football coach, Chhattisgarh sports department, talking to TOI, said, "After completing her 12th in Balod, Kiran moved to Raipur for higher studies, following a brief stint with the Durg football team."
Her breakthrough came during the Chhattisgarh League, where she scored an impressive 20 goals — the highest by any player in the tournament — while representing Raipur.
"One day, she approached me for coaching. I arranged her accommodation at Vivekananda Stadium in Kota, Raipur. The rest is history," Kujur recalled. "Her discipline, dedication, and eagerness to learn every aspect of the game set her apart."
She initially missed selection in the junior India camp but was not disillusioned. She took the feedback seriously, worked on her weaknesses, and bounced back stronger. Her consistent performance in the 14th national championships earned her offers from various football clubs across India, and she landed with Kerala Blasters. In 2022, she also signed with a European football club — a rare achievement for an Indian woman footballer.
"Today, Kiran is counted among India's top women footballers," Kujur said proudly.