International Blind Sports Federation – IBSA Asia Oceania Blind Football Championships

The 2022 International Blind Sports Federation- IBSA Blind Football Asia-Oceania Championships were held in Kochi, Kerala from 11-18 November.

This was the first time in India that a para-football event had 10 men’s teams and 2 women’s teams. The event was a qualifier for the World Championships Birmingham 2023 and Paris Paralympics 2024.

Officials and delegates from across the world attended the event including the Chairman of Blind Football Mr. Elias Mastoras from Greece, referee coordinator from Argentina, medical classifiers from the US, Brazil, UK, and referees from Asia-Oceania region.

The Japan Women’s team won the 2022 title beating the India Women’s team 1-0 in a closely fought contest on 12 November. With this both teams qualify for the first IBSA World Women’s Championships’23 at Birmingham, UK.

In the men’s event, the Chinese team won the championships beating Thailand on penalties in the final. Japan secured the third position after their victory against Iran.

The hosts, India, finished in the 7th position. The Championships was the biggest para-football event held in India and it helped spread awareness about the game. The matches were broadcasted online on digital platforms.