Goalball is a sport designed for visually impaired athletes. To ensure fairness, all players wear eye shades for the duration of each half of the game, regardless of their level of visual impairment.

How the Sport Works

Goalball is played by two teams of three players each, with up to three substitutes allowed per team. The game is played in a gymnasium on a court measuring 18.0m x 9.0m, divided into two halves by a center line. Teams remain in their own half during the game.

The objective is for each team to throw the ball by hand along the floor, aiming to get it across the opponent’s goal line while the opposing team tries to block it. The goals and nets extend across the 9.0m width at each end of the court.

The ball used is made of hard rubber and has holes in it that allow the sound of bells inside the ball to be heard as it moves. This helps players locate the ball during the game. The rules of goalball are governed by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA).

A full game consists of two halves of 12 minutes each, for a total playing time of 24 minutes.

Historic Paralympic Representation

Goalball was first included in the Paralympic sport program at the 1976 Toronto Games. It has since become a key event for visually impaired athletes.

In the 2016 Paralympic Games, Turkey won the women’s goalball championship, while Lithuania claimed the men’s title, showcasing the sport’s global appeal and competitiveness.