Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Parasports
  • Bengal’s blind football team wins hearts on the field, but official support elusive

Bengal’s blind football team wins hearts on the field, but official support elusive

Parasports September 11, 2018
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
0

Ahead of a crucial match against Australia’s Blind Football Team in Kochi later this month, members of the India team from Bengal are practicing their moves everyday. Five players from the state are part of India’s Blind Football Team.

The Indian team is ranked 23 worldwide and is number 4 among Bengal’s football teams. Much of the credit goes to Goutam Dey, founder of the blind football team and association in West Bengal.

Dey, currently a defender in the national team, was captain when India played abroad for the first time in 2013. He has played a big part in introducing blind youngsters to the game and in getting sponsorships.

To come this far is quite incredible given how the zero support the state government has shown.

Blind football layers from other states get cash awards and government jobs but not West Bengal. I wonder if the government knows there is a team! We have been fighting for recognition for a long time now. – Goutam Dey, Captain, Bengal blind football team

In blind football matches there are two teams with four players on each side. The size of the ground is smaller as compared to where regular football is played.

Like Dey, it’s passion that keeps fellow national level player Suprokash Daf hooked despite the struggles. Daf hit the headlines for scoring four goals in the recent national games and is a specialist in the penalty shot.

“We are students who play in our spare time. Right now we depend completely on NGOs and people but this cannot continue. We need the support of the government to do better.”

The blind football team has been sustaining itself with various awards and prizes from different companies. Their biggest source of support is Chandrashekhar Ghosh, CEO, Bandhan Bank, who takes a personal interest in their wins and has supports them in many ways. For Ghosh, the blind players are nothing short of role models.

“It is so heartening to see that they choose to focus on what they have and what they can achieve rather than what they lack. Football not only teaches team spirit, but because it is a high energy contact sport, helps maintain physical fitness. These days the youth hardly indulge in physical activities and this football team should serve as a role model for them to take up active sports.”

Ghosh believes that it is players like these that are helping to change perceptions towards para sports in India.

In my view, we are changing from being a one sport nation to becoming a multi-sport and multi-skills nation. Para-athletes will see the respect they deserve in the years to come. – Chandrashekhar Ghosh, CEO, Bardhan Bank

Words that will surely lift the spirits of para sportspersons across India.

ALSO READ: Wheelchair no barrier to my dreams – My Take by Mohammad Shams, paraplegic swimmer

Watch in Sign Language

0

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Read more on Newz Hook

  • Education,Employment
    A STEPPING STONE TO COVETED CAREERS
  • Accessibility,Independent Living
    Affordable and Independent Mobility for Persons with Disabilities in India – Challenges & Way Forward (series 2 of 3)
  • Accessibility,Independent Living
    Affordable and Independent Mobility for Persons with Disabilities in India – Challenges & Way Forward (series 1 of 3)
  • Technology
    Automotive accessibility product Caruna helps people with disabilities move in & out of cars easily
  • Get-hooked
    “UK needs a National Disability Strategy, co-produced with disabled people” – Disability rights champion Kush Kanodia

Contribue to Newz Hook. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature your inspiring story or share an event with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Related News

Image of a Caruna swivel seat on the passenger seat of a car

Technology

Automotive accessibility product Caruna helps people with disabilities move in & out of cars easily

Kush Kanodia carrying the torch at the 2020 London Paralympics

Get-hooked

“UK needs a National Disability Strategy, co-produced with disabled people” – Disability rights champion Kush Kanodia

Accessibility

Affordable and Independent Mobility for Persons with Disabilities in India – Challenges & Way Forward (series 1 of 3)

Accessibility

Affordable and Independent Mobility for Persons with Disabilities in India – Challenges & Way Forward (series 2 of 3)

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Parasports

“Work hard, success never dies”- My Take by swimming champion Vishwas KS

Get-hooked

“Break stereotypes, love yourself & follow your dreams”- My Take by Anmol Rodriguez

Technology

GenElek's robotic exoskeletons give disabled people a chance to walk

Get-hooked

Parenting Corner - Autism and dental health

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook is a media site focusing on Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight stories that share insights into the lives of people with disabilities, offer solutions and create collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who share knowledge about disability, inclusion & accessibility.

Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.