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Paralympics 2024

How is blind football played at the Paralympics?

The game made its debut at the 2004 Athens Paralympics and is designed specifically for para-athletes with vision impairment.

How is blind football played at the Paralympics?
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(Photo Credit: Olympics.com)


By

The Bridge Desk

Updated: 29 Aug 2024 4:05 AM GMT

Blind football is a modified version of the traditional football we all know, designed specifically for para-athletes with vision impairment.

It made its Paralympics debut at the Athens Paralympics in 2004 and consists of one category, men's team.

The sport will be featured at the Paralympic Games 2024 in Paris, with Brazil being the favorite, having won gold in every Paralympic Games since its inception.

How many players play blind football?

Blind football is a five-a-side game, with one goalkeeper and four outfield players for each team.

What is the duration of the game and the size of the field of play for blind football?

The playing field is similar to a futsal field, measuring 40m x 20m. Matches will be played in two 20-minute halves and there will be boards present on the sides to ensure the ball is within the field of play.

The ball is also modified, with rattles sewn into the balls so that players can know where the ball is located.

How are players classified in Blind Football?

While the outfield players have to be classified as B1 (very low visual acuity and/or no light perception), the goalkeeper must be sighted or partially sighted (B2 or B3).

He plays a key role as he can guide his teammates when defending, getting them to organize themselves.

Outfield players also wear eye masks to ensure fair competition throughout.

Behind the attacking goal is a guide who will aid the attacking players and the coach will be on the sidelines guiding the players in the midfield.

Since players rely on sound almost entirely to know the whereabouts of the ball and to respond to their guide, coach, and goalkeeper, fans are asked to stay silent during play.

Also, when players are going toward the ball and are going in for a tackle, they say 'voy' or something similar, to let the others know they're in pursuit.

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