Japan win first women’s football 5 event

Japan emerged as winner of the inaugural women’s International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Blind Football Tournament, held in Vienna, Austria, on 6 May, after defeating an IBSA select team 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kimushima.

The young Japanese striker hit the net six times over four games, finishing as the event’s top scorer. On their way to the final, Japan defeated a combined team of England and Greece 2-0, Russia*/Canada 2-0 and the IBSA team 1-0.

The IBSA team featured players from Austria, Belgium, France and Germany. England/Greece came in third following a 1-0 victory over Russia/Canada on penalties after a scoreless draw.

The tournament followed a highly successful blind football training camp, which brought together 74 participants from 16 countries, including 60 women.

Both the camp and the tournament were part of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)-backed IBSA Blind Football Development Project Europe and were held in partnership with the Austrian Disability Sports Federation.

More information is available on IBSA’s website.

*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. For further information please click here: https://www.paralympic.org/russian-paralympic-committee-suspension