The 2nd Junior & 6th Senior State Goalball Championship 2026 was successfully organized by the Para Blind Sports Association Maharashtra (PBSAM) in collaboration with AIASHA Mumbai at Sindhu Bhavan, Ulhasnagar, from 26th to 28th June 2026 (reporting on 25th June). The championship brought together nearly 150 visually challenged athletes, along with coaches, referees, technical officials, volunteers, and team managers from different districts of Maharashtra. The event served as an excellent platform for young and senior Goalball players to showcase their talent while promoting inclusion, equality, and the spirit of para sports.

Goalball is one of the most popular Paralympic sports for visually impaired athletes, demanding exceptional teamwork, communication, concentration, and defensive skills. Throughout the three-day championship, spectators witnessed several exciting and closely contested matches in both the Junior and Senior categories for boys and girls. Every team displayed remarkable determination, discipline, and sportsmanship, making the tournament highly competitive and inspiring.

A major highlight of the championship was the presence of two official referees (Arbiters) from the Goalball Federation of India (GFI)—Mr. Sumit and Mr. Vipin Gupta. Representing the national federation, both officials ensured that every match was conducted with complete fairness, transparency, and professionalism, strictly following the official Goalball rules and international officiating standards. Their expertise and unbiased decision-making contributed significantly to the smooth and successful conduct of the tournament.

Beyond officiating the matches, the GFI officials closely monitored the performance of every player throughout the championship. They carefully evaluated each athlete based on important aspects such as goal-scoring ability, defensive techniques, speed, teamwork, game awareness, discipline, consistency, and overall match performance. After thoroughly observing all matches, they prepared an official selection list of the most deserving players who demonstrated outstanding performances during the competition.

Based on their evaluation, 24 players were selected to represent Maharashtra at the upcoming National Goalball Championship:

• 6 Junior Boys
• 6 Junior Girls
• 6 Senior Boys
• 6 Senior Girls

This selection marks an important milestone in the sporting journey of these talented athletes and provides them with an opportunity to compete at the national level while proudly representing Maharashtra.

The championship was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Para Blind Sports Association Maharashtra (PBSAM), AIASHA Mumbai, supporting organizations, sponsors, volunteers, technical officials, coaches, referees, and every individual who contributed to the successful organization of the event. Their collective commitment ensured a well-managed championship that provided equal opportunities for visually impaired athletes to compete and excel.

Adding a meaningful social message to the sporting event, the championship also promoted the “My Eyes Will See Forever” campaign, encouraging people to pledge for eye donation. The campaign emphasized that while Goalball celebrates the incredible abilities of visually impaired athletes, eye donation can offer the priceless gift of sight to someone in need, creating hope and transforming lives.

The successful completion of the 2nd Junior & 6th Senior State Goalball Championship 2026 marks another significant step in the growth of Goalball and para sports in Maharashtra. The event not only identified promising talent for the National Championship but also reinforced the importance of inclusive sports, equal opportunities, and community support. With continued encouragement from sports organizations, officials, and well-wishers, Maharashtra’s Goalball players are well-positioned to achieve even greater success at the national and international levels, inspiring countless others through their courage, determination, and passion for the sport.