Chasing the sound: Goalball World Championships kicks off

The 2026 International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball World Championships officially began in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province on June 10, marking the first time the event  being held in China. A total of 192 athletes from 20 countries are competing in the six-day tournament. In the opening match, China's men's team defeated Algeria, getting their campaign off to a positive start. 

In goalball, bells embedded inside a ball allow players to track its direction and speed by listening. Every play demands intense concentration, quick reflexes, and strong spatial awareness. That's why spectators are asked to remain silent during matches – background noise can interfere with players' ability to locate the incoming ball. To ensure fair play, each ball is used for no more than three matches, as wear and tear can affect its bounce and speed.

To ensure fair competition, players must wear two layers of eye coverings: medical eye patches first, followed by specialized blackout eyeshades.  

The double-layer eyeshades create an equal playing field for the athletes, who have different levels of visual impairment.

Since players must rely solely on sound to track the ball, goalball is full of unpredictable moments. The ball may take an unexpected bounce, or a shot might strike the crossbar and ricochet away. That uncertainty is both the challenge and the appeal of the sport.

On the court, China's and Algeria's men's teams faced off in a closely contested match. Off the court, mutual respect was on full display. "The Chinese team is very good. I think they're the favorite for this championship. For a long time, since the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, we've appreciated Chinese culture. China is a very nice country, and the people are friendly," said Firas Bentria of the Algeria men's national goalball team.

With the championships now in China, international athletes also have a chance to explore the country firsthand. Emerson Ernesto Da Silva of Brazil's men's goalball team traveled 23 hours to take part in the event. Interested in Chinese culture, he researched plenty of information about the country before arriving. He said that it's particularly good to be in China for the competition.