The IBSA Blind Football Asian Cup

Did you know the blind football Asian Cup is taking place in Japan this April? Here’s everything you need to know!

(Image credit to Nailah Gajia)

About the tournament:The IBSA Blind Football Asian Cup is a major international competition for visually impaired athletes in Asia. It takes place every 2 years (biennially) and serves a major place in qualifying for the Paralympics and World Championships. The tournament is organised by the International Blind Sports Federation, and both men’s and women’s teams are competing in this competition, starting off with the women’s teams from Wednesday 15th April to the 25th of April, taking place in Japan.

What is Blind Football?Blind football is an adapted version of football played by visually impaired athletes. They play under the rules of futsal. Each team involves 5 players on the field: 4 outfield players and a sighted goalkeeper. All outfield players must wear an eyeshade that is blackout to ensure fairness of play. Players rely on the sound of the ball to navigate it. The footballs have metal plates which make a rattling noise in them. All players have to rely on communication; it’s a key skill in blind football to help them control the ball and move around the pitch.

Teams and Competition:Teams in the competition are different between the men’s and women’s teams due to the men’s teams across the world being more developed, whereas the women’s have only been developed over the last few years.

Women’s Teams:Japan, India and Australia

Men’s Teams:Japan, India, Thailand, China, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea

The competition is growing in popularity, with recognition taking baby steps up, but still so much more to come.

Why It Matters:This is important because it’s not just about football, it’s about inclusion. It gives visually impaired athletes the opportunity to be themselves, being able to play a sport they enjoy in a space where they are able to play due to it being accessible, regardless of ability. Not only does this give athletes joy, it’s about breaking the barriers in the world, showing people that para athletes are so much more, and their disabilities may make activities hard, but it doesn’t stop them from participating in sports.

When are the matches:

Women’s:15th April: Japan v Australia16th April: India v Japan17th April: Australia v India18th April: Final

Men’s:19th April: Japan v India

20th April:South Korea v UzbekistanThailand v ChinaAustralia v Iran

21st April:China v UzbekistanThailand v South KoreaIndia v IranJapan v Australia

22nd April:China v South KoreaUzbekistan v ThailandIndia v AustraliaIran v Japan

23rd April: Quarter-final24th April: Semi-finals25th April: 3rd place matchFinal

You can stream all matches on YouTube on the IBSA channel.

Overall, the IBSA Asian Blind Football Cup highlights the growth of para sports, which still has so much more to come.

Article written by Nailah Gajia