THE giants of goalball from all over Asia are set to clash in Bahrain in a series of matches this week to determine the qualifiers for the World Finals.
Bahrain Paralympic Committee welcomed competitors taking part in the International Blind Sport Federation (IBSF) 2022 Goalball Asia Pacific Championships, which start today and continue until Friday, after the kingdom came to the rescue of organisers.
“In response to South Korea cancelling the tournament to be held in their country, the IBSF approached us,” explained event assistant technical director Moosa Ahmed.
“They noted our prior achievements in organising the Asian Youth Para Games, among other events, and we were happy to step forward.”
A total of five nations will participate in two categories: Japan, Iran, South Korea, Thailand and Australia for the men’s group, of which the latter four will also compete as part of the women’s group.
The top two from both contests will qualify for their respective World Championship Finals to be held in December in Belgium.
The Asia Pacific Championships will take place at the Bahrain Sports Federation for Disabilities Sports Centre in Riffa.
“The centre provides room and amble space to play goalball, with rooms for the referees, medics and players.”
Founded in 1981, IBSF has been crucial in aiding and developing athletes and sports for the visually impaired.
One of the games played under the IBSF watch is goalball, a team sport game played indoors by six players split into two groups of three.
The game revolves around throwing a ball that has bells embedded in it, into the other teams’ goal post.
To keep the game fair, all players wear eyeshades to conceal their vision, making all players play on an equal footing, despite differing visual impairment.
“The best players globally will be playing in Bahrain,” Ahmed added. “There is an opportunity for all sports-lovers to learn about the game and strategies played by the sport’s top athletes.”
The Bahrain team for the blind will not be participating, and Ahmed, who used to be a sports coach for local blind students, believes the event will offer an ideal opportunity for sports heads to witness the event, encourage potential future stars and offer assisted training here in the kingdom.
“The integration process that has been initiated for young blind students in schools in recent years has received well-deserved widespread recognition,” he added. “However, it comes with one caveat. Despite the work that goes into integration, the students in need are not given the attention that they require from local sport coaches, in my opinion.
“Too many are just benched instead of being allowed to participate by being given proper guidance,” Ahmed claimed.
He lamented how Bahrain used to be one of the top nations in Paralympic sports in the Gulf from 1980 until the turn of the century.
“There are clubs and teams for all kinds of sports for the children of Bahrain to grow their potential,” the retired sports coach added.
“But the same level of support does not appear to exist for today’s blind students.
“They need specialised guidance in sports to bring the best out of them. I used to run a marathon by each student’s side to guide them, but I am 62 years old now and I have yet to be provided with a suitable sprinting coach whom I can train to carry the mantle. It may require new investment by the authorities.
“Perhaps the success of hosting this event will inspire a new generation of enthusiastic coaches and sprinting guides to come forward – the rewards would be immeasurable for all concerned.”
Interested coaches should contact Ahmed and the Bahrain Sports Federation for Disabilities on 17176930.
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