Page 50 - IMDR Journal 2025

Research Article
OBJECTIVES Age specification
1. To highlight the format of different Paralympic games 1. Masters: M1: 30 – 34 years, M2: 35 – 39 years, M3: 40 –
(Swimming, Chess, Judo, Cricket, Shot put, Running) for 44 years, M4: 45 – 49 years, M5: 50 – 54 years, M6: 55 – 59
visually impaired athletes. years, M7: 60 – 64 years, M8: 65 – 70 years, M9: 70 – 74
years, M10: 75 – 79 years and so on in gaps of 5 years.
2. To understand the perspective of the visually impaired
athletes of Fergusson college, Pune Maharashtra about the 2. Senior (18 years and above).
deep technology in the sports they play. 3. Junior B.16-17 years, C.14-15years, D.12-13 years, E:11
3. To understand the deep technology available for visually years or less (Precompetitive group).
impaired athletes for games namely Swimming, Chess, Chess
Judo, Cricket, Shot put, Running (Athletes).
In blind chess, players are typically categorized based on
4. To suggest the concern for promoting deep technology for their level of visual impairment. The categories are designed
the visually impaired athletes. to ensure fair competition. The main categories are:
1. B1 (Total Blindness): Players with no vision or the ability
RESEARCH PROCEDURE to perceive light, also referred to as totally blind. These
players rely entirely on tactile boards, Braille notation, and
● Thorough review of literature was done to identify the auditory feedback.
deep technology for visually impaired athletes for games 2. B2 (Severely Impaired Vision): Players who have very
namely Swimming, Chess, Judo, Cricket, Shot put,
Running. limited vision but can still perceive some light or shapes,
often using large print, magnification, or other visual aids
● Interview of the Visually Impaired athletes of Fergusson during play.
College , Pune was taken, of different games to understand
the experiences and challenges. 3. B3 (Partially Impaired Vision): Players with some vision
but who are still considered visually impaired. These players
● Different deep technologies for visually impaired athletes may use low vision aids, such as magnifiers or large print, to
were studied using various research papers and articles. assist in playing.
● Important technology for each game for visually Blind people play chess using specially designed equipment
challenged athletes were analyzed and objective-wise and techniques to make the game accessible. A tactile
research Procedure with its conclusion were noted. chessboard with raised squares and Braille markings allows
players to feel the positions of pieces, while tactile chess
pieces have unique shapes or textures to distinguish them.
OBJECTIVE- WISE PROCEDURE OF
Players announce their moves verbally, and an assistant or
STUDY opponent moves the pieces accordingly. Braille notation is
Objective-1 used to record moves on a score sheet, allowing players to
document the game. International Braille Chess
The first objective is to highlight the format of different
Paralympic games for visually impaired athletes.To fulfil Association. (n.d.)
this objective the following resources were taken into Judo
consideration - World para Swimming Classification & Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is the decision-making
Categories - SB9, SM8. (n.d.),(International Braille Chess framework, to enhance the performance of blind judo
Association. (n.d.), International Blind Sports Federation. athletes. This methodology allows for an objective
(2024, February 26),C.ho, H. C., Oh, H., Yoon, H., Jin, J., & assessment of variables such as training intensity,
Lee, J. W. (2018), International Blind Sports Federation. psychological support, equipment adaptation, and coaching
(2024), Panoutsakopoulos, V., & Panteli, F. (2013), Exercise strategies. C.ho, H. C., Oh, H., Yoon, H., Jin, J., & Lee, J. W.
Right. (2023, September 7) (2018) J1 and J2 are the two classes used in Para judo for
Swimming athletes with visual impairments. J1 is for athletes who are
blind or almost blind, while J2 is for athletes who are
According to World para Swimming Classification &
Categories - SB9, SM8. (n.d.) Swimming is classified for partially sighted.
visually impaired into 3 categories- Rules at the edge of contest area
1. S11- No light perception to somewhat light perception - If the J1 is standing outside the contest area with two feet,
and unable to recognize shape of hand. the athletes stand outside and will not be penalized.
2. S12 - They have ability to recognize shapes . - Usually, a J1 contestant cannot be punished for going
outside, but if a J1 athlete walks directly backward to the
3. S13 -Visual acuity above 2/60 up to 6/60 .
edge and steps outside, then the athlete can be penalized.
Swimmers have to compete in S11, S12 and S13 which are
- The J1 athlete or deaf athlete can also be penalized when it
defined under IBSA International Blind Sports Federation
is a method (repeatedly) to go outside.
which is the sight classification of B1,B2 and B3.
- The J2 is standing outside with one foot, may possibly be
● B1 and B2 athletes have the most visual impairment.
penalized.
● It is compulsory that B1 must wear darkened goggles.
- The J2 athletes leaving the mat without action shall be
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