The first match between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the ongoing Blind Football Championship for Women may end in a draw. But everything was written in its favor
“Nagalum Aduvom, Vendre Katuvom, Vijhil Oli Ilamal, Saathithe Majizhuvum (we will win even without light)“
The team song echoed in the lush green grounds of Montfort School in Chennai, indicating the announcement of the recently concluded football match between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
This was not your regular game: enthusiastically run by the Tamil Nadu National Blind Football Association, it was the first for women and the fifth national tournament for men. KK Thomas, Principal of Montfort School, says, “It is a matter of pride to host it.
As the game started, shouts of ‘why’ (I’m coming in Spanish) echoed. Four women representing their respective states occupied the field when the whistle blew.
The women followed the sound of the ball and dribbled the ball carefully, measuring the distance with their hands and listening to the voices of their coaches and goalkeepers.
“We are very happy to have this game here; it is the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu,” says Tamil Nadu coach Francis Sebastian.
The atmosphere of the game was filled with applause and suffocation from the audience. However, the match ended in a draw without a goal.
Tamil Nadu goalkeeper B Janani says, “I have never been a goalkeeper before. “I learned to live in the camp and have known my team for a month. They only hear my voice when they step into the defence,” she adds with a smile.
Amidst the sporting rivalry, there was also a blossoming respect between the two teams. Karnataka goalkeeper Reshma Karthik further says, “Tamil Nadu did a great job coming close to scoring two goals.”
This is M Rajeshwari’s first national match. As she catches her breath, she says with a smile that she loves the experience, “I’m so grateful to be here and our coaches have been really patient with us.”
P Chandrasekhar, honorary secretary of the National Association for the Blind, says they are on a mission: “We want to take it to as many blind schools and special schools as possible to keep the sport going.”
Team member T Bhuvneshwari’s mother said, “I really never knew that such sports existed. I’m not that literate and I really wanted my kids to have everything I can’t.” She adds, “Blind football has given my daughter so much joy and purpose.”
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