Due to the brilliant performance of captain Kiran Pisda, Chhattisgarh women’s football team reached the final of Khelo India Tribal Games. Along with helping him win the penalty shootout, he also did goalkeeping. The hockey team is also in the race for the bronze medal.
Raipur. Inspired by the brilliant all-round performance of captain Kiran Pisda, Chhattisgarh women’s football team has made it to the finals of the first edition of Khelo India Tribal Games. At the same time, the state women’s hockey team is also keeping its hopes high by reaching the bronze medal match.
Kiran Pisda’s strong performance in the semi-finals, led the team to victory
Kiran Pisda was the biggest star of the match in the semi-final played against Arunachal Pradesh at Swami Vivekananda Kota Stadium on Tuesday. Thanks to his brilliant play, Chhattisgarh won 4-3 in the penalty shootout. There was a 2-2 tie between the two teams in the stipulated time, after which the match reached a shootout.
First the goal, then he showed his talent by becoming a goalkeeper.
Kiran, who has scored around 20 goals in the tournament so far, showed aggressive play in this match also. He scored a goal in the 18th minute to give the team a 2-0 lead. However, Arunachal Pradesh leveled the match by scoring goals in the 41st and 86th minutes.
After this, Kiran showed the courage of captaincy and decided to play the role of goalkeeper. He himself took charge of the goalpost in place of regular goalkeeper Yogita and made two brilliant saves. Additionally, he himself scored a penalty goal, which secured the team a place in the finals.
Kiran Pisda’s statement on the team’s victory
After the match, Kiran told SAI media,
I wanted to take my team to the finals at any cost. I was confident of performing well as a goalkeeper as well. I have played this role before also. Our hard work paid off and it is a proud moment for all of us.
Who will compete in the final?
Now in the final, Chhattisgarh will face the winner of the second semi-final between Jharkhand and Gujarat. It is noteworthy that Chhattisgarh has already defeated Gujarat 2-1 in the group stage, in which Kiran had scored a goal.
Women’s hockey team also in the race for bronze medal
On the other hand, Chhattisgarh women’s hockey team is also in the race for a medal in the ongoing competition at the International Hockey Stadium. The team will face Madhya Pradesh in the bronze medal match on April 1.
Medal hopes still intact despite semi-final defeat
Chhattisgarh had to face 1-5 defeat against Odisha in the semi-finals. But under the leadership of captain Kujur Ashwin, the team is now all set to win the bronze medal. The final match of hockey will be played between Jharkhand and Odisha on 1 April.