GENESIS OF THE INDIAN NATIONAL BLIND FOOTBALL TEAM

INDIAN BLIND FOOTBALL FEDERATION (IBFF)

The Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF), formed in 2016, is an independent body developing the sport of blind football among the visually challenged athletes in the country. IBFF is promoted by the Kochi-based NGO 'Society for Rehabilitation of Visually Challenged' (SRVC), IBFF is recognized by the Indian Blind Sports Association (IBSA New Delhi), the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and the All-India Football Federation (National FA) for all technical support to promote and develop Blind Football in India.

ABOUT BLIND FOOTBALL

Blind Football is a 5-a-side game played by 4 visually challenged players and a sighted goal keeper, using a ball which makes sound. The match is played in turf ground of size 40m X 20m, which has 1m tall side boards along the length on both sides to keep the ball in continuous play. The coach and goal guide, both assist the players from outside the field of play by giving voice commands. Matches are played over two halves of 15 minutes each.

IBFF ACTIVITIES

Over the past decade, IBFF has been actively involved in the development of Blind Football in India. During this period, we have successfully conducted seven national championships for men and three for women. In August 2023, the Indian Women's blind football team made us proud by qualifying for and participating in the World Championship held in Birmingham, UK, securing a commendable 4th place. Similarly, the Men's team showcased their skills at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China in 2022, achieving a respectable 5th position in the championship. IBFF has been conducting orientation and training camps across the country over the years to identify new talent and to hone the skills of the existing players. In parallel, we have been holding referee clinics and training for coaches to develop the game in a systematic manner. Blind football is now played in 24 states across India, and we have 15 NGOs and 13 state bodies affiliated under IBFF. From nearly 800 players and officials identified on a national level, 661 players and officials registered for the various zonal and national level tournaments held in 2023. We are committed to the growth and development of blind football in India and look forward to achieving more milestones in the coming years.