Report on the India team's participation at the World Grand Prix Development Games Tournament at Tokyo , Japan ( 21-25 March 18)

The Indian blind football team, ranked 29th in the world played at the inaugural World Grand Prix Blind Football Tournament under the Development Games Category which included the Japan National Training Centre team & Belgium, world no 20. The young Indian side had an outstanding tour with the Indian team beating Japan NTC 1-0 in the first match with a goal from Klingson Marak, presently at the IBFF Academy on 21st March. The second game on 22nd March saw the Indian side play hard but lost 0-2 to the 20th ranked Belgium blind team. In the back to back return fixtures on 25th March the Indian team lost narrowly to Belgium 1-2 which saw a goal by Pankaj Rana from the IBFF academy, and the team led the Belgians for the first & most of the second half and some poor referee decisions including a clear penalty call not given cost the match. The second return fixtures against the Japan NTC host team saw two goals once again being scored early in the first half as a result of poor referee decisions which gave the hosts a 2-0 lead. The Indian 'Blue Dolphins' team fought hard with several opportunities created in the second half but eventually lost 0-2.

The Indian Embassy in Tokyo had been contacted earlier regarding this tour and Counsellor Ms.Muanpuii Saiawi and Third Secretary Mr.Karan Yadav from the Indian Embassy were there to witness the matches and offered all moral support by connecting us with resourceful people. The players braved the chilly wind and drizzle during the competition. The tour provided a great experience to the young players playing at the International level & gave exposure to the young Indian Blind Football Federation academy players which will immensely help them in the future. The team was coached by Shri Sunil. J, Mathew, with Shri Naresh Singh Nayal as assistant coach/ goal guide and Shri M.C. Roy who came on his own was the Manager of the team.

IBSA Blind Football World Grand Prix is the brand new world competition officially authorised by IBSA, International Blind Sports Federation, and will be held for 3 years in a row. This year, the competition will be played between in Tokyo, Japan in Tennozu Park, co-organised by Shinagawa City. This year 6 high ranking countries participated and World no 2 Argentina beat England 2-0 in a penalty shootout to win the main category event . In conjunction with World Grand Prix, 3 teams played at the International Training Matches named "Development Games" which was for lower-ranked teams and India played Belgium and Japan B team in this category.