Blind Football: A Game of Sound and Skill

Blind football, a modified version of the traditional sport, is a thrilling spectacle that showcases the extraordinary abilities of visually impaired athletes. It’s a game that demands not just physical prowess but also acute hearing and teamwork.

The Rules of the Game

Unlike sighted football, blind football is played on a smaller pitch with five players per team, including a goalkeeper. To compensate for the lack of vision, a small, rattling ball is used. The constant clicking sound it emits helps players track its movement.

A crucial role is played by the ‘guide’, a sighted person stationed outside the pitch who vocally directs players towards the ball and the goal. Their instructions are vital for the team’s strategy and success.

The Players

Blind football players are classified into three categories based on their visual impairment:

• B1: Completely blind
• B2: Very low vision
• B3: Partially sighted

A team can have up to two B3 players, ensuring a balance of skill and visual abilities.

The Atmosphere

The atmosphere at a blind football match is invigorating. The constant communication between players and guides, the intense focus of the athletes, and the passionate support from the crowd create a unique and exhilarating experience.

The matches are often filled with dramatic moments as players anticipate the ball’s trajectory based on the sound, coordinate their movements with teammates, and make split-second decisions.

The Global Stage

Blind football has gained significant recognition worldwide, with international tournaments and leagues attracting top talent. The Paralympic Games feature blind football, highlighting the sport’s status as a global platform for visually impaired athletes.

France, Turkey, Morocco, China, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Japan are the 8 nations that will compete in what promises to be a historic Paralympic blind football tournament! Will the five-time reigning Olympic champions, Brazil, be able to continue their incredible run? The question is worth asking

(Note: India accounts for around 20% of the global blind population. Project Eyeway is an initiative by Score Foundation that acts as a one-stop knowledge resource for those people who are living their lives with blindness. Eyeway operates a national toll-free Helpdesk — 1800 53 20469.)