“Y!”
The single letter echoes across the Sewakutir Complex ground in North West Delhi. A chorus of the sound erupts as 10 players in practice establish their positions through the call. In an official match, failing to repeat the sound would result in a penalty. Although practice sessions are more lenient, the habit persists.
The entire squad of blindfolded players remains in position, relying on camaraderie and chemistry as their guiding light. The Delhi Blind Football team has been growing from strength to strength over the past decade, fuelled by their aspirations. The sport has not only transformed their lives but also driven them towards a better future.
The evolution of Delhi’s blind football team
Delhi’s blind football team has been a part of the Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF) since 2013. However, it was only after 2016 that the team found its footing in the national capital. What began as a word-of-mouth initiative has now grown into a 30-member squad—20 men and 10 women.
Much of the rules for blind football are reminiscent of futsal, with five-a-side teams and a smaller field of 40 metres in length and 20 metres in breadth. All on-field players are expected to wear head guards which also act as blindfolds to prevent any of the players from being able to see if they are not fully blind. Through the game, many players with visual impairments are able to contend on the field of play without any issue—no matter if they are totally blind or partially blind.
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Championship victories and national representation
Armed with the necessary equipment, Delhi’s team has scaled new heights, recently emerging victorious in the National Championship. Striker Pradeep Patel secured their win against Uttarakhand in the final. More significantly, Delhi contributed three players to the 10-member Indian team that competed at the BRICS 2024 Blind Football Tournament—the highest representation from any state. Gujarat and Uttarakhand followed with two players each.
The same national team was able to hold Brazil to a tie in the semi-finals, losing to them in the penalty shootouts. Eventually, Brazil emerged as the winner in the inaugural tournament. They eventually secured a fourth-place finish with Russia winning the third-place match against the Indian side, once again in another bout of penalty shootout.
Struggles with funding and infrastructure
Despite their achievements, the Delhi team receives no government support. A walk around their practice ground reveals the extent of neglect. The field, flanked by audience stands, doubles as a cricket pitch where students from a nearby school for the visually impaired play. The only distinction between the football and cricket fields is a rope stretched across the length of the ground—a makeshift arrangement that has often led to injuries.
Their coach, Pawan Kumar, has been with the team since 2016, seeing it go through a series of ups and downs. However, it is through sheer willpower that the team has stuck through together for almost a decade. A former para-athlete, the 26-year-old had initially started the team with only a couple of players which later transitioned to the number of people as it stands now. “Our players are from everywhere across India. We got them through word of mouth since we do not have enough funds to go for scouting,” he said.
Despite their accolades, the team continues to grapple with inadequate infrastructure. “In blind football, the ball is supposed to remain in play at all times, which is why sideboards are crucial. Since we don’t have them here, the game doesn’t feel professional. The absence of astroturf also makes it difficult for players to adapt to match conditions. They adjust as best as they can, but if we want to win, there should be no compromises,” Kumar explained.
Day in and day out, the team engages in strenuous practice without end, while juggling their jobs and studies on the side. “Many of us are working. We qualified under the sports quota and are working professionals. On the other hand, some of us are also studying. None of us has been able to focus solely on the sport,” said Mohammed Sabir, one of the players from the team who represented India at the BRICS event. Delhi team’s centre forward is also in the lookout for a job while getting over with his Masters in Hindi Literature from Delhi University.
To sustain their passion for the sport, the players must maintain steady employment—not just for their livelihood, but ironically, to afford playing football. “We get no support from the government, either at the Centre or state level. We buy our own shoes, guards, and other equipment. The working members of our team and our coach pool in money to buy essential gear like head guards and balls,” said Jeeramani Mahto, 21, a senior member of the women’s team. Mahto was shortlisted for the IBSA Women’s World Championship in Birmingham in 2023.
The players cite Vector’s monopoly as a major financial strain. The customised football costs around Rs 1,500—many times the price of a regular ball. Head guards cost approximately Rs 3,000 due to the lack of local manufacturers.
“We approached our previous MLA in November 2024 for funds to set up a dedicated ground for the blind team, but nothing materialised. Then, elections happened, and the MLA changed,” Kumar said.
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A hopeful future despite obstacles
Despite these challenges, the players continue to push boundaries. Their makeshift ground serves as a stark reminder of the government’s focus on cricket over other sports. “A rope runs across the field so we don’t stray onto the cricket pitch. Initially, it was a problem, but we’ve learned to adjust. The real issue is the ground itself—so many of us have suffered injuries here,” said Pradeep Patel, a member of the Indian squad at BRICS 2024.
Yet, their spirits remain undeterred. A smile lingers on their faces, undimmed by hardship. “We have more than some other states, and I’m grateful for that. We just have to keep playing our game,” said Om Prakash Chaudhary, 28, a senior player on the team.
