2018 in Review: Goalball

The record-breaking World Championships in Malmo, Sweden, were the most important competition held in the year, but they were not the only highlight of 2018.

Brazil shine and Germany surprise

The Brazilian men’s team retained their world title from 2014, extending a dominant era in which they have reached the podium of every major event since the London 2012 Paralympics. In the final, they beat a young German team, who travelled to Sweden as underdogs and left with silver.

Sevda Altunoluk finishes as top scorer

The 24-year-old was again crucial part of the Turkish women’s team, finishing the Worlds as the top-scorer with a staggering 46 goals. Despite her amazing performance, she could not prevent her team from losing to Russia* in the final.

Altunoluk was later chosen Allianz Athlete of the Month for June.

Japan win Asian Para Games title

In a surprising result, the Japanese women’s team achieved an 5-3 over Paralympic silver medallists China in the final held in Jakarta, Indonesia. After that, they were named Allianz Athlete of the Month for October.

UK National Schools Competition features goalball

Goalball UK launched a National Schools Competition Programme to deliver afterschool goalball activities and competitive opportunities to blind, partially sighted and disadvantaged children and young people.

For that purpose, the national federation for goalball in Great Britain was awarded a grant of nearly GBP 100,000 from ‘Children in Need’, broadcaster BBC’s charitable arm.

Goalball at next Para Youth Games

It has been confirmed that goalball will be one of eight sports part of the programme at the 2019 European Para Youth Games in Pajulahti, Finland.

*Editor's note: The International Paralympic Committee suspended the Russian Paralympic Committee on 7 August 2016 for its inability to fulfil its IPC membership responsibilities and obligations, in particular its obligation to comply with the IPC Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code (to which it is also a signatory). As a result of the suspension, Russian athletes cannot enter IPC sanctioned events or competitions, including the Paralympic Games.