Jamshedpur proudly hosts the 7th Men’s and 3rd Women’s National Blind Football Tournament, also serving as a selection ground for the Women’s Blind Football World Cup.
Jamshedpur – In a first for Jamshedpur, the 7th National Men’s and 3rd Women’s Indian Blind Football Federation (IBF) National Blind Football Tournament kicked off on Wednesday at the Tinplate Sports Complex.
The event also functions as the selection ground for the Blind Football World Cup Women’s Championship.
Teams of visually impaired players from across the country are participating in this unique tournament.
In each team, only the goalkeeper and the coach, who gives directions from the sidelines, can see.
The rest of the players rely on their other senses to navigate the field and score goals.
Jagannath Behera, a senior member of the Jharkhand Blind Football Association, underlined the demanding nature of the game, which often results in injuries.
Despite the challenges, he expressed pride over India’s standing in the field of women’s blind football. “India’s team is second in the world. It’s a matter of pride for us,” Behera said.
As the Women’s Blind Football World Cup approaches, selectors from all over the country have arrived in Jamshedpur to scout for potential players.
This tournament serves not just as a display of talent and determination, but also as an opportunity for female players to represent the nation on a global stage.
