Goalball: Then and now

In contrast to the cheers and applause that ring out around most Paralympic Games venues, the Goalball arena is a place of silence whilst the ball is in play.

Fans must keep quiet to enable the players, who all have visual impairments, to hear the ball.

The sport was developed as a rehabilitation activity for injured soldiers returning from World War II.

It has since spread around the world, and is played in more than 100 countries, making it one of the most popular of all Paralympic sports.

How to play – and win

Goalball is played by two teams of three on an indoor volleyball court.

The aim is to score goals by rolling the ball into the opposing team’s net. The opposing players attempt to block the ball with their bodies.

At the end of the game, which lasts 20 minutes, the team that has scored the most goals is declared the winner. Golden goal and penalty shoot outs resolve drawn matches outside group games.

Goalball at the Games

Goalball was introduced as a demonstration event at the Toronto 1976 Games. It was officially included in the programme four years later in Arnhem.

Today, it is among the most fiercely contested events at the Games, with more than 70 countries fielding international teams.

Get involved

Goalball is growing in popularity, with more and more clubs springing up across the United Kingdom (see 'related websites') .