Latest news with #KiranPisda
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
CG's Kiran kicks ball down history as India qualifies for AFC women's asian cup after more than a decade
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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo 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.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Kiran Pisda scripts history: Chhattisgarh tribal footballer part of Indian squad for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026
RAIPUR: In a proud moment for Chhattisgarh, 23-year-old tribal girl Kiran Pisda from Balod district has made history by becoming part of the Indian Senior Women's Football Team that qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. This marks India's return to the prestigious continental tournament after three years—and, more significantly, the first time ever that the women's team has qualified via the official route. Speaking to The Times of India, Kiran Pisda shared her excitement about being part of India's historic qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. 'Five nations — Mongolia, Iraq, Timor-Leste, India, and hosts Thailand — competed in the qualifying round, with only one team advancing 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. Kiran, who featured in matches against Mongolia and Iraq, reflected on her evolving role in the squad. 'I initially started out as a striker when I began playing professional football, but over time my position has shifted — now I play as a defender,' she added. Highlighting the significance of the achievement, Kiran said, 'India is qualifying for the Asian Cup after more than a decade, so this is a big milestone for women's football in the country. I'm really looking forward to representing India in the 2026 championship.' Kiran had previously represented India at the 2022 South Asian Football Championship in Nepal and has continued to progress steadily in her footballing journey ever secured the qualification by defeating host nation Thailand 2-1 in a gripping match held at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on July 7. The win capped an unbeaten run in Group B, with the team winning all four of their qualifying matches—an extraordinary feat that placed India at the top of the group. Kiran's inclusion in the 23-member squad is being hailed as a breakthrough not just for her personally, but for the entire state of Chhattisgarh. Hailing from a modest background, Kiran is the daughter of Mahesh Ram Pisda and has become a symbol of perseverance, discipline, and talent. Her journey from local training grounds to the international arena has inspired a new generation of athletes in the region. India's triumph over Thailand is especially significant—it is the team's first win against the Thai side in women's football history. The achievement is seen as a turning point for women's football in the country and a step forward in building a strong, competitive national squad for the future. Kiran's success also underscores the growing impact of grassroots football development in underrepresented regions like Chhattisgarh. Her rise to the national level exemplifies how passion, hard work, and local support can pave the way to international success. While celebrating the squad's historic qualification, the Chhattisgarh Football Association acknowledged the role of institutional support in nurturing athletes. In particular, they expressed gratitude to NTPC Korba for supporting Kiran's training and development.
