Tournament news

Golden ticket

IBSA have announced that the winners of the World Championship will receive a 'golden ticket' and will qualify directly for the 2012 London Paralympic Games. Should England win the competition then the runners up will receive the direct entry as Great Britain are guaranteed a place as hosts.

In a further announcement International Paralympic Committee have increased the number of teams that will take part in the Paralympic Games from six to eight. This decision highlights the exponential growth blind Futsal has enjoyed since joining the Paralympic programme.

Blind Futsal made its Paralympic debut at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. Six teams competed for the gold medal won by Brazil.

At the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games China, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Great Britain and South Korea qualified. Brazil retained the title and won the gold medal, China took silver and Argentina won bronze.

IBSA Futsal Chairman Carlos Campos was delighted with the news and said, "The decision by IPC to increase the number of slots for Blind Futsal is a clear sign of the growth and development in IBSA Futsal since it became a Paralympic sport."

He added, "Everyone working on the subcommittee is very happy because we have been able to show the IPC how much the sport has grown. It demonstrates success in how we are administering the sport and, at the same time, is a challenge for our work in the future."

Story added: 24-01-2010

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