The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball has confirmed that the 2021 European Championships A – the premier event for teams in the region – will take place in Samsun, Turkey, from 1-13 November.

The competition is an exciting addition to the calendar and adds to a successful year for goalball with the sport being brought to new audiences through the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

The Euros A will see 10 men’s and 10 women’s team go for titles and places at the 2022 IBSA Goalball World Championships in Hangzhou, China, in June.

Kari Rasanen, Chairperson of the IBSA Goalball Committee, said: “We are absolutely delighted to confirm the dates and location for this tournament, after some uncertainty caused by COVID-19.

“The competition will gather some of the best teams in the world, many of whom will compete fresh from their excellent performances at Tokyo 2020. We are excited to see how it pans out, especially as the Turkish women’s team have just retained their Paralympic title. We hope that organisers can capitalise on some of interest and anticipation generated in Japan and put on a great show.”

Call for referees

Level II and level III referees are asked to express their interest and availability to referee at the 2021 IBSA Goalball European Championships A. The IBSA Goalball Subcommittee requests those interested to contact [email protected] and [email protected] no later than 19 September

Selected referees will be informed via email to confirm their appointment and to accept their selection.

The Euros A will take place at the Yaşar Doğu Sport Hall in Samsun, located in the Tekkeköy district of Samsun. Named in honour of renowned Turkish sport wrestler Yaşar Doğu, the sports hall was opened in March 2013.

The city of Samsun is the largest city on the southern coast of the Black Sea and has a population of around 1.4 million people. It is the provincial capital of the Samsun Province and a major port.

Other competitions scheduled to take place in 2021 include the IBSA Goalball African Championships in Cape Coast, Ghana, from 6-10 December and the 2021 IBSA Goalball European Championships C in Targu Mures, Romania, from 14-21 November.

In 2022 the Americas and Asia-Pacific Championships will feature after being postponed from 2021. The 2022 IBSA Goalball World Championships are set for 6-18 June.