India representative | World 5th ranker | Inclusion through athleticism | Heading to World Cup 🎾
Nibin Mathew stands among the world's top blind tennis athletes, currently ranked No. 5 and carrying two major international medals.
Nibin Mathew stands among the world’s top blind tennis athletes, currently ranked No. 5 and carrying two major international medals — bronze from the IBSA World Games in Birmingham and silver from the France Cup 2025. Since 2023, he has been India’s lone representative on the global blind tennis circuit, proving that talent and grit can overcome limited resources.
An IIIT Bangalore alumnus and global speaker, Nibin blends lived experience with human-centered design to dismantle barriers through technology. As an elite athlete and technologist, he champions accessibility and systemic inclusion. Now, as he gears up for the 2026 World Championships in Lithuania, he stands as a definitive voice for India on the world stage.
On the Lumos stage, sharing a story of passion for science, a career in accessibility, and a mission in sports – all coming together to inspire dreams of a more inclusive world.
Music holds magic – a powerful force for upliftment and rejuvenation. A mesmerising violin performance inspires hope and drives social change.
The most intensive return to the international stage following Nibin's health crisis and a year of painful recovery. This victory marks the end of a long struggle and a triumphant return to world-class competition. Watch his final match at the France Cup 2025:
Watch as Nibin reflects on the role of assistive technology in his everyday life, enabling him to live with independence and dignity. He calls on us to rethink how we view disability and society, and advocates for the use of technology as a powerful tool for driving social progress.
Join Nibin Mathew on the Studio 1886 BGSW podcast as he shares his inspiring journey to becoming the first Indian blind tennis player to win a medal at the IBSA World Games 2023 in London. Hear about his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the unforgettable moments from his international triumph.
Watch Nibin Mathew's bronze medal match against Carlos at the IBSA World Games in London. This adaptive tennis, designed for blind and low vision players, uses a sound-emitting ball and minor adjustments to traditional lawn tennis rules, showcasing how technology enhances accessibility.
In November 2025, following a year of intensive recovery from a severe disc injury, Nibin made a triumphant return to the international stage at the Burgundy Grand Prix (France Cup). Competing as a self-funded athlete representing India, he delivered a world-class performance, defeating opponents ranked from World No. 1 to World No. 5 throughout the championship stages. This dominant run to the finals secured the Silver Medal and officially cemented his position as World Rank #5.
Issued by Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala · Nov 2023. This recognition takes the form of a prestigious State Award, signifying high appreciation from the Government of Kerala. The official announcement was made on December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023.
In August 2023, Nibin Mathew made history as the first blind tennis athlete from India to win the nation's first-ever blind tennis medal at the IBSA World Games in Birmingham, London. Competing in his debut international event, Nibin's bronze medal win stands as a defining moment for both him and the country. The IBSA World Games, a prestigious global event for blind sports, added extra significance to this extraordinary achievement.
In 2021, Nibin Mathew was selected as one of 40 recipients globally for the Digital Accessibility Rights Education (DARE) Scholarship, awarded by the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict). This scholarship is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities who are passionate about advocating for digital accessibility and supporting their journey to becoming certified professionals in the field. Read more about this award at the official website of G3ICT.
In February 2020, Nibin Mathew made history by becoming the first-ever National Champion of blind tennis in India, during the inaugural Sound Ball Championship, organised by the Indian Blind Sports Association. This milestone achievement marked a significant moment for the sport in India and highlighted Nibin's pioneering role in blind tennis. Read more in the news section.
Nibin Mathew wins bronze medal in blind tennis at the World Games of International....
24 Sep 2023
Read MoreReady?" Nibin Mathew shouts out to his opponent who is standing beyond the net on the tennis court. "Yes," comes the ringing reply,
12 Oct 2020
Read MorePlaying tennis could be hard for the blind even if the ball makes a tinkling sound when it hits a surface..
29 Feb 2020
Read MoreThe award for the best sportsperson with disability will be shared by Muhammed Nisar A.P., Nibin Mathew, ...
18 Nov 2023
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