Chinese team clinches a 1-0 victory over host nation Japan in the opening match of blind soccer on Friday in Nagoya, Japan. [Photo by Zhao Yimeng/chinadaily.com.cn]
The fifth Asian Para Games kicked off its blind soccer tournament on Friday, with the Chinese team clinching a 1-0 victory over host nation Japan in the opening match.
The decisive goal came just about 2 minutes before the final whistle, as China's No 6 player, Zhang Jiabin, found the back of the net, marking a strong start for China in the tournament.
The blind soccer competition, held from Oct 16 to 23 at Tsuruma Park Multipurpose Sports Field in Nagoya, features teams from Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, Iran, and India.
Chinese team clinches a 1-0 victory over host nation Japan in the opening match of blind soccer on Friday in Nagoya, Japan. [Photo by Wang Liang/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Following the win, China's head coach Wang Guishun said overcoming psychological barriers is one of the biggest challenges in blind soccer.
The fear of the unknown and moving forward into darkness is something everyone can relate to, Wang said.
"For the blind soccer team, overcoming the fear of darkness and the unknown ahead is a significant part of their training process," he said.
Chinese team clinches a 1-0 victory over host nation Japan in the opening match of blind soccer on Friday in Nagoya, Japan. [Photo by Zhao Yimeng/chinadaily.com.cn]
China aims to defend its title, with Japan and Iran expected to be the main rivals.
Blind soccer is a five-on-five game consisting of four blind players and a sighted goalkeeper.
To ensure fairness, blind players wear eye masks throughout the match. Each game comprises two 25-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime break.
The pitch measures 40 meters by 20 meters, with sideboards to keep the ball in play. The ball contains bells to help players locate it by sound.
Chinese team clinches a 1-0 victory over host nation Japan in the opening match of blind soccer on Friday in Nagoya, Japan. [Photo by Wang Liang/For chinadaily.com.cn]
The field is divided into defensive, midfield, and attacking zones, with guidance provided by the goalkeeper, coach, and guide.
Players should shout to signal their position when not in possession of the ball.
Tampering with eye masks, disrupting the game with noise, or attempting to deceive opponents are considered fouls, according to the rules.