London 2012 Paralympic Games: Goalball

See the world's best goalball players battle it out for gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games in the Handball Arena.

Paralympic Goalball at London 2012

Watch as teams of three visually impaired athletes take part in the skillful game of goalball at the London 2012 Handball Arena.

Goalball was added to the Paralympic schedule in 1980 after a demonstration event at the previous Games.

The aim of the game is to throw the ball, which can be located by a bell, into the opposing net, while the defending team members try to block the attempt with their bodies.

Partially sighted players are allowed to compete alongside blind players, but they have to wear blindfolds so the competition is equal.

Goalball at the Paralympic Games

The Goalball competition at the 2008 Paralympic Games was hotly contested in both the men's and women's events.

China edged out Lithuania in the men's competition, coming from behind to snatch gold in the dying seconds of the final. In the women's event, the United States beat the hosts in another tight contest.