About
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Headquarters
Kochi, Kerala
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Since
2016
The Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF), formed in 2016 is an independent body developing the sport of blind football among the Visually Challenge Read mored in the country. IBFF is promoted by the NGO 'SRVC' Kochi (Society for Rehabilitation of Visually Challenged). We are recognized by the Indian Blind Sports Association (IBSA), the Paralympic Committee of India (NPC of India), and All India Football Federation (National FA) for all technical support to promote and develop Blind Football in India. IBFF started a full-fledged blind football Academy (the only Para Sports Academy) in Kochi, India since Sept'17. In addition to its focus on football, the academy is unique in the sense that it also offers vocational skill training to players to help support themselves beyond the sport. The Indian Men’s team is currently ranked 5th in Asia and 14th globally, while the Women’s team holds the 2nd rank in both Asia and the world. The Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF) has set a clear objective to train and prepare a top-tier national-level team for future participation in the Paralympics. Celebrating a decade of blind football development activities, we take pride in our extensive engagement with international teams through numerous friendly series and participation in prestigious tournaments. In the men's category, our endeavours have included competing in the Asian Championship, Intercontinental Cup, World Grand Prix, and the Asian Para Games. Additionally, we have represented India in the women's category at the Asian Championship and the World Cup.
Issue
India is home to the largest population of visually challenged individuals globally, with an estimated 15 million people. The primary objective of the Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF) is to foster Blind Football in India and cultivate an inclusive environment for the visually challenged. Through the medium of sports, we strive to highlight their capabilities and inspire others in the community. The IBFF is committed to the development of Blind Football in India, with efforts focused on expanding its grassroots network across the country and aiming for representation in the Paralympics. In addition to sports, we offer training designed to enhance job readiness and foster self-sufficiency beyond the football field. This training plays a crucial role in levelling the playing field for the visually challenged community, enabling them to enter the job market and thereby fostering a more inclusive social atmosphere. Blind Football in our country is currently grappling with a lack of awareness, support, and recognition at all levels. Only a handful of organizers hold regular events, and there is a significant shortage of equipment, facilities, and trained referees. Additionally, government support for sports tailored for the differently-abled is insufficient. Rural areas are home to untapped talent, but they face barriers of awareness and access. While this issue is particularly evident in Blind Football, it’s crucial to prioritize equal opportunities for all genders and encourage self-reliance. Addressing these barriers from the outset is vital for aspiring players.
Action
• Awareness and Education: Conduct nationwide awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas, to increase understanding about Blind Football. Collaborate with schools and use video conferencing to reach a wider audience. The aim is to show that football is inclusive for all genders and abilities. • Provision of Equipment: Provide Blind Football equipment to interested individuals and institutions. This will help keep individuals engaged and promote the sport at a grassroots level. • Organizing Events: Plan and execute national and zonal tournaments, friendly series, and demonstration games. These events can serve as a platform to identify and nurture talented players. • Training and Support: Selected players should receive regular training, nutritious meals, and vocational skill training. This holistic approach will not only prepare them for the sport but also equip them with skills for self-reliance. • Advocacy for Government Support: Highlight the lack of government support for differently-abled sports and advocate for policy changes. Use media and forums to discuss ideas for improvement. • Expansion of Training Facilities: Consider establishing more training academies in different regions, similar to the Blind Football Academy in Kochi. This will help tap into the talent pool across the country and provide more opportunities for aspiring players.
Cause Area
Sub Sector
Impact
• Talent Discovery and Development: Through nationwide tournaments and training sessions, the project can identify and nurture a new generation of talented Blind Football players. These players would not only excel at the sport but also become ambassadors for inclusivity in sports. • Enhanced Skills and Self-Reliance: The comprehensive training provided to the players, including vocational skill training, can equip them with essential life skills. This can enhance their self-reliance and open up new job and education opportunities. • Increased Participation and Recognition: With regular practice and international exposure, the players will be well-prepared to represent India in international tournaments. This can put India on the global map in the field of Blind Football and increase participation at all levels. • Policy Advocacy: The project’s advocacy efforts can lead to increased government support for differently-abled sports. This can result in policy changes that benefit not just Blind Football, but all sports for the differently-abled. • Social Impact: Beyond the sport, the project has the potential to bring about significant positive changes in the lives of visually impaired individuals. It’s about changing perceptions and making a difference through the power of sport.
Programs
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BLIND FOOTBALL ACADEMY
StateThe National Blind Football Academy was started in 2017 to provides blind football players comprehensive training environment designed to enhance the skills, fitness, and overall well-being. The academy offers a structured daily training program tailored to meet the unique needs of blind football players. The academy's holistic approach not only focuses on developing football skills but also on improving the players' chances of being selected for the national team and serves as an important stepping stone for the athletes aspiring to represent India in national and international competitions.
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NATIONAL AND ZONAL BLIND FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
We organize four zonal tournaments and a national tournament annually, with each event taking place in different locations across the country. The zonal competitions play a crucial role in nurturing grassroots level teams and increasing state team participation. Additionally, coaching and referee training sessions are conducted during the zonal tournaments to develop new talent in these areas. Following the Zonals, the IBFF hosts the national tournament for the qualified teams.
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INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS
The National team is always eager to participate in at least one international tournament each year, both for the men's and women's categories. This provides valuable exposure and experience for the players, while also contributing to an increase in the team's world ranking. Representing the country in an international tournament is a dream for every player. Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the Paralympics and the World Cup in both the men's and women's categories.
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GRASS ROOT DEVELOPMENT / JUNIOR LEVEL TOURNAMENTS
We aim to organize junior level tournaments throughout India in order to nurture young players and build a strong team for the future. As part of this initiative, a school level tournament and training sessions for players and school teachers are being planned
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INDIAN BLIND FOOTBALL PREMIERS LEAGUE
We are currently in the process of organizing a premier league exclusively for blind football. The main objective behind this initiative is to accelerate the growth and progress of blind football within our nation. By providing more opportunities for players and coaches to gain valuable match experience, this league aims to enhance the overall development of blind football. Additionally, it will enable blind football to reach a wider audience across the country and attract more talented players
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B2/B3 PARTIALLY SIGHTED TOURNAMENT
The Indian Blind Football Federation introduced partially sighted football in 2019 with a demo game in Kochi, Kerala. Since then, we have conducted demo games in Kolkata and Tamil Nadu and held an inter-district tournament in Kerala in 2021. We are now planning the National Tournament for partially sighted players, which will be the only official tournament of its kind in India. This tournament will provide partially sighted football players with an opportunity to compete at least once a year and will also contribute to the development of a national blind football team for partially sighted players
Leadership Team
Demographics & Structure
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No. of Employees
0-5
M&E
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Internal, External Assessors
No
Policies
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Ethics and Transparency Policies
No
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Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy
No
Political & Religious Declarations
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On Affiliation if any
No
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On Deployment Bias if any
No
Registration Details
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PAN Card
AABTI3758E
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Registration ID
416/IV/2016
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VO ID / Darpan ID
KL/2024/0429369
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12A
AABTI3758EE20183
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80G
AABTI3758EF20231
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FCRA
Not Available
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CSR Registration Number
CSR00055916
Location
Other Details
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Parent Organisation
SRVC (Society for Rehabilitation of Visually Challenged)
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Type & Sub Type
Non-profit
Trust
Website
Financial Details
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2023-24
IncomeRs.NoneExpensesRs.Admin ExpensesRs.NoneProgram ExpensesRs.NoneTip: Click on any value above to exclude it.