The moment Indian football enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived! The Indian blind women’s football team has officially qualified for the World Championship to be held in Birmingham in August, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country.
Eight visually impaired women were the ones who accomplished this remarkable feat. The Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF), the sole authorized organization for official blind football activities in India, dedicated ten years of relentless effort to reach this point. Over the years, IBFF successfully conducted seven national championships for men and three for women.
This achievement is groundbreaking as it will be the first time India participates with both a football team and a para women’s team in the World Championship. This historic moment embodies the empowerment of women and the differently abled, showcasing their talents and determination on the global stage.
IBFF has been actively organizing orientation and training camps throughout the country to discover new talents and enhance the skills of existing players. With blind football being played in 24 states, India now has 15 NGOs and 13 state bodies affiliated with IBFF. In 2023, nearly 800 players were identified at the national level, out of which 661 players registered for various zonal and national level tournaments.
Sunil J Mathew, the national coach and sporting director, expressed his joy at this remarkable moment and acknowledged the challenges faced during the coaching period. Despite seeking financial aid from the sports ministry, the response has been lacking, leading them to reach out to individuals and corporate groups across the country for support. They hope for future government assistance and extend their gratitude to those who have supported them thus far.
The journey for women’s blind football in India began in 2019, with camps, demo games, and mini-tournaments held in different states. The IBFF conducted the First National Women’s Tournament in Chennai in 2021 and the second in Pune in 2022. They also organized four zonal tournaments for women, involving 17 state teams. The National Championship for Women took place in Jamshedpur in May 2023, and potential players for the National Team were selected based on their performances in these events.
A selection camp held in June finalized the group of 20 blind players, 5 goalkeepers, and 3 coaches who would form the final team. Currently, the team is undergoing training in Kochi, preparing for their departure to the UK on August 12 for the World Championship.
The IBFF and the players have high hopes that this achievement will serve as a wake-up call for the Sports Ministry, emphasizing the importance of their support for the further progress and development of blind women’s football in India.
