Raipur, April 2 (NationPress) When Kiran Pisda stepped into the goal for the penalty shootout against Arunachal Pradesh during the semi-finals of the Khelo India Tribal Games, she drew upon her extensive experience in overcoming challenges and setbacks, which only fortified her resilience.

Now at 24, Kiran is reaching the pinnacle of her skills and potential. She has already played in league football throughout Europe and is on the verge of securing a place on the Indian national team for significant international competitions.

Her journey, however, has been relatively smooth due to the early support from her family and school, with her brother Girish—a national-level player—serving as her role model.

“I received immense support during my school years. That’s where I was given chances to participate at both the state and national levels, and with each selection, my confidence only increased,” Kiran shared with SAI Media.

Kiran later moved to Raipur to pursue a degree in physical education. It was during the Chhattisgarh Women's League that she caught the attention of scouts and received an invitation to join a national training camp.

“At that time, I was not in optimal physical shape, and my mindset wasn't at the level necessary to compete with seasoned players. I understood that whatever insights I gained from that experience, I had to build upon,” Kiran explained as she reflected on why her time at the national camp did not lead to a selection for the national team.

What followed was a period of intense personal development. She focused on her physical fitness, began to analyze matches in depth, and enhanced her positional understanding. The most profound transformation, however, was in Kiran’s mental outlook.

“I committed to myself that regardless of the situation, I would not entertain negative thoughts. A negative mindset directly impacts your performance,” she stated.

Kiran's mentor, coach Yogesh Kumar Jangra, has been instrumental in her transformation. “Whenever I feel down or believe that I'm not performing up to par, I reach out to him. He always encourages me to maintain a positive attitude and inspires me to keep going,” she said.

Her hard work gradually paid off. Her performances on the national stage opened doors with clubs like Kerala Blasters, where she continued to grow. Her biggest advantage became her versatility. “I began as a striker, transitioned to midfield, and now I play as a full-back for the national team. As a footballer, you must be prepared to take on various roles for your team,” she noted.

Kiran has represented India multiple times, including at the 2022 SAFF Championship, and has also played for Dinamo Zagreb in the Croatian Women's League. Nevertheless, rejection has been a recurring theme in her journey. Missing out on major events like the recent AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia posed another challenge.

“It stings when you're not chosen for significant tournaments. Every player experiences this,” she admits. “However, I now perceive it differently. I use that as motivation to strive harder and return even stronger.”

Managing pressure has become one of her key strengths. Whether vying for a spot on the team or performing in critical matches, Kiran has mastered the art of remaining composed.

“Playing at a higher level inherently involves pressure. You must learn to manage it,” she observed. Kiran also emphasized the importance of team dynamics in bolstering individual confidence. “When the team is thriving, every player feels empowered. Conversely, when the team struggles, it impacts individual performance too.”

With her tribal heritage, Kiran is acutely aware of the challenges faced by players from remote regions. She acknowledges that initiatives like the Khelo India Tribal Games are crucial in bridging that gap.

“There is a wealth of talent in tribal regions, yet players often lack opportunities. The Khelo India Tribal Games has provided them with a platform to exhibit their skills. It instills confidence and inspires them to aspire to play for their state and even for India,” Kiran added.

Kiran's immediate objective is to maintain consistent performances in domestic competitions like the Indian Women’s League and secure frequent national team selections. However, she harbors broader ambitions.

“I aim to keep progressing, perform consistently, and represent India in prestigious tournaments. Not being selected doesn’t imply you aren’t a skilled player. It simply means you must exert more effort,” she concluded.