Ghanaian sports broadcaster Eli Kondoh has added a new dimension to his sports career after earning a Goalball Level 1 refereeing certificate from the International Blind Sports Association during the Berlin 2026 Nations Cup.
Kondoh, who travelled to Germany for the tournament, had the opportunity to officiate several matches, through which he earned his certification from the international body. He now joins a distinguished list of international referees for IBSA.
The Goalball Nations Cup in Berlin is one of the largest international goalball tournaments, bringing together national teams of blind and visually impaired athletes from across the world. The 2026 edition featured 16 countries competing for honours in the annual event.
Goalball is a fast, physically intense sport that requires maximum concentration. During play, all athletes wear opaque eye masks and orient themselves exclusively through sound, as the ball is filled with small bells to make it audible. Silence during play is essential, with referees calling for absolute quiet so that players can perceive the ball's movement.
Spectators are encouraged to cheer and applaud only during game interruptions, after goals, or at the end of each section.
