The Blind Relief Association has always been active in promoting sports for the blind. The Association conducted the first National Sports Meet for the blind of the country in 1982. As an outcome of the pioneering initiatives taken by the Blind Relief Association, Delhi, to develop and promote sports for blind youngsters, Indian Blind Sports Association (IBSA) was founded in 1986. IBSA has since emerged as the premier national blind sports body in the country with over 236 affiliates in 25 States.  It is the sole Indian Affiliate of the International Blind Sports Federation, the apex sports organization for blind sports in the world.  It is also affiliated to the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

Shri Ramkaran and Shri Ankur Dhama were presented the coveted Arjuna Award as outstanding para-sportspersons in 2012 and 2018 respectively.  Shri Ankur Dhama, nurtured and trained IBSA is also the first Indian blind athlete to take part in the Rio Paralympics 2016. The Association’s coach, Dr.  Satyapal Singh, Chief Athletics Coach for IBSA, was conferred the prestigious Dronacharya Award for being adjudged an outstanding coach.

As many as 21 National Sports Meets have been conducted by IBSA. These Meets have now become a regular biennial event. The Meets comprise athletic events like sprints, throws, jumps etc. conducted in accordance with international rules. On the international platform, IBSA has sponsored Indian contingent of blind athletes to participate in all the five World Games and Championships for the Blind.

IBSA organizes national national level sports meets and coaching camps in athletics, powerlifting, football, kabaddi, chess and swimming, besides identifying and sending talented athletes regularly to international events throughout the year.

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