The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and the International Blind Tennis Association (IBTA) have been collaborating on common initiatives to promote blind tennis and inclusion in sport for the past three years. One important milestone in the cooperation between IBSA and IBTA was the inaugural blind tennis tournament at the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham, UK.

Blind and visually impaired tennis is one of the fasted growing adaptive sports globally and is now played worldwide. IBTA is currently comprised of 32 member associations, a major increase from the 17 countries in 2023 when over 70 blind tennis athletes were invited to participate in the IBSA World Games.

[Image description: From left to right – Samir Mahir (IBTA President), Ilgar Rahimov (IBSA President) during the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham, UK.
Photo: IBSA]

Ilgar Rahimov, IBSA President, fully supports the strategic partnership and closer collaboration between IBTA and IBSA. “It is truly encouraging to see such strong development of blind tennis across all continents. Formalizing our relationship will contribute to the global development of blind sports and ensure the successful participation of blind tennis athletes in the 2027 IBSA World Games.” Rahimov said.

Samir Mahir, IBTA President, adds, “Through this partnership, we aim to accelerate the worldwide expansion and progress of blind sports. Given our shared commitment to creating opportunities for athletes with blindness and low vision, the partnership between our organizations will enhance cooperation in several areas including Classification, Sanctioned Events, Anti-Doping, and Advocacy.”

Both organizations reaffirm their joint dedication to fostering inclusivity, promoting equal opportunities, and advancing the sustainable growth of blind tennis globally. IBSA and IBTA’s goal is to increase participation for blind and partially sighted athletes while broadening the international presence of adaptive tennis.