International Women’s Day Spotlight: Kiran Kaur’s mission to inspire

The SportsAid supported athlete's journey into hockey began in primary school, where a PE lesson introduced her to the sport for the first time.  

What started as something she “just had to do” quickly became something she loved. But as she grew within the game, she became increasingly aware of representation in sport. 

“Coming from a Sikh background, I didn’t really see other Indian female athletes playing sport around me,” she said. 

That absence of visibility made the moments of representation even more powerful. She remembers playing against the club she now represents and spotting another Indian girl on the pitch. 

“When I came off, me and my mum looked at each other and said, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s another Indian athlete.’ It meant so much.” 

Now, Kiran wants to be that person for someone else. 

Through sharing her journey online, including honest ‘day in the life’ tournament content, she hopes to show young girls that there is no single mould for what an athlete looks like. 

“If you’re from a different background or ethnicity, you can still be part of sport,” she said. 

“It should boost your confidence. That’s something I didn’t always have growing up, and now I want to help other girls find that.” 

Confidence was something Kiran struggled with during her England Under-16 season, where she was part of the squad but didn’t feature in tournaments and was adjusting to a completely new level of hockey.  

Missing out on an Under-18 trial later that year was another setback. 

But she used that disappointment as motivation. After a conversation with her coach, she set herself clear goals. 

“At the time I said I’d love to just get an England Under-18 trial and maybe get in. The Euros felt miles away.” 

Months later, while revising for her A-levels in the library, the squad announcement email came through. 

“I opened it and had to blink a few times,” she said. “I was sat next to my friends who know nothing about hockey and I asked them, ‘Can you just check my name’s there?’ And they were like, ‘Yeah… why are you asking?’” 

Her name was there. She had been selected to represent England at the Euros, her biggest achievement to date. 

“I just started screaming. I was nearly crying with happiness. I actually got kicked out of the library because I was too loud,” she laughed.  

“I celebrated with a McFlurry. Playing at the Euros was crazy. It was such a professional environment, in a sunny country with my family there watching. It meant everything.” 

That determination has since taken her across the world. 

Last year, Kiran won a prestigious hockey scholarships to the University of Massachusetts and now competes in top-tier US college hockey.  

She has already celebrated several team wins wearing the Number 47 shirt, continuing to make her mark on an international stage. 

This International Women’s Day, Kiran reflects on how far women’s sport has come, but also how important it is to keep pushing forward. 

“We are as strong, as confident and as successful as men,” she said. 

“I think people are starting to see how amazing female athletes are, and that needs to keep going.” 

That growing confidence was strengthened further when she received an email from her coach putting her forward for the SportsAid award. 

She said: “When I got that email, it felt like my hard work and motivation had been seen. 

“I hadn’t even thought about the financial side, I just had this boost of confidence. I felt recognised.” 

Supported by SportsAid, Kiran has felt the power of being backed not just financially, but emotionally, as part of a wider community of female athletes striving for excellence. 

“SportsAid has given me that extra belief,” she said. “It makes you feel like people genuinely believe in what you’re trying to achieve.” 

“It’s nice to be part of a network where athletes can share their journeys,” she said.  

“Financially, it really helps. Travelling for England, away games in different countries, it all adds up. It’s helpful for me and my family and allows me to keep pushing myself.” 

For Kiran, International Women’s Day is about celebrating progress but also recognising the responsibility to be visible, to speak up, and to help create pathways for the next generation.