Kiran Pisda stars with goals, saves to power Chhattisgarh into KITG football final

RAIPUR: Captain Kiran Pisda produced a stellar all-round performance to lead Chhattisgarh into the football final of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) here on Tuesday. While the women’s football team secured a title clash, the state’s hockey team stayed in medal contention by reaching the bronze medal playoff.

Kiran, an Indian international, emerged as the standout performer in the semi-final against Arunachal Pradesh at the Swami Vivekananda Stadium in Raipur. Chhattisgarh clinched a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time.

Kiran, who has scored nearly 20 goals in the tournament, gave the hosts a 2-0 lead by finding the net in the 18th minute. Arunachal Pradesh fought back with goals in the 41st and 86th minutes to level the scores, forcing the match into a shootout.

In a decisive tactical move, Kiran took over the goalkeeping duties from regular custodian Yogita for the shootout. The captain made two crucial saves and successfully converted a penalty herself to secure the final berth. The home team broke into celebrations on the pitch following the winning strike.

"I wanted to take my team to the final at any cost. I was confident about my goalkeeping abilities as I have played this role for the state team before. Our hard work paid off," Kiran said. Chhattisgarh will face the winner of the second semi-final between Jharkhand and Gujarat in the final. The hosts had previously defeated Gujarat 2-1 in the group stage.

At the International Hockey Stadium, the Chhattisgarh women’s hockey team will face Madhya Pradesh in the bronze medal match on Wednesday. The hosts lost 1-5 to Odisha in their semi-final. Captain Kujur Ashwin is now preparing the squad for the third-place playoff. Jharkhand and Odisha will contest the hockey final on Wednesday.