Northeast Team Wins 14th Thailand Goalball Championship
The Northeast Region team won the 14th Thailand Goalball Championship, defeating Samachcha Blind 15-7 in the men's final held in Nonthaburi Province, while Chaiyaphum dominated the women's competition with an 8-0 victory over Chiang Mai.
On September 18, 2569, the Thai Blind Sports Association held the 14th Thailand Goalball Championship at the Blind Development Centre in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province, running from September 14-18. The tournament was presided over by Amnuay Klin-Yu, president of the Thai Blind Sports Association.
This year's competition brought together 14 teams—8 men's teams and 6 women's teams. Champions received 20,000 baht, runners-up 15,000 baht, and third place 10,000 baht. Matches were played in two halves of 12 minutes each, with a 5-minute break, using mercy rule scoring that ends the game immediately if one team leads by 10 points.
The men's final highlighted the tournament, pitting the Northeast Region team against the Samachcha Blind team. Both teams fought competitively early on, but the Northeast team's sharp offensive play allowed them to build a 10-3 lead by halftime. In the second half, Samachcha adjusted their tactics to emphasize defense and counterattacks, narrowing the gap to 10-5, but the Northeast team maintained their standard of play and closed out a 15-7 victory, claiming the national championship, trophy, and 20,000 baht prize. Samachcha took runner-up honors and 15,000 baht.
In the women's competition, the Chaiyaphum team dominated, defeating Chiang Mai 8-0 to claim the national title.
Following the event, Amnuay Klin-Yu, president of the Thai Blind Sports Association, remarked that goalball is a sport designed specifically for visually impaired athletes and creates enjoyment, pride, and opportunities to develop players' potential. "We play with our hearts and feelings," he said. "I have played before and still believe it is an excellent sport. Holding this championship 14 times in succession with numerous teams participating shows that blind athletes are interested and find joy in goalball. I believe this sport will go far in the future."
The association also called on government agencies, the private sector, and media to support sports for people with disabilities, creating equal opportunities and dignity for all disabled people. The association stressed that sport is a powerful tool for building value and improving the quality of life for visually impaired people.
The Thailand Goalball Championship is an annual event held by the Thai Blind Sports Association to develop competitive standards in line with international rules, while providing visually impaired people with opportunities to exercise, develop their potential, and foster equality and social integration through the power of sport.
