New Delhi: On the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, celebrated globally on April 6 each year, the Indian Hockey Captains have joined the #WhiteCard Campaign to express their commitment towards peace efforts worldwide. The #WhiteCard serves as a symbol to promote peace initiatives on a global scale, mirroring the various colored cards used in the sporting arena.
Embracing this global initiative, Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh, currently in Perth, Australia for a five-match series against the home team, emphasized the transformative power of sports in fostering unity and harmony. Singh stated, “Sport has the power to change the world, unite all, and bring people from various religions, sects, states, and even countries together on a common platform to perform as equals.”
“Along with my teammates, I pledge my support for the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace through this unique #WhiteCard initiative, which serves as a unifying symbol for inclusion and peace. This campaign is a wonderful opportunity to promote the peace-through-sport movement across the world,” added the ace drag-flicker and defender.
Echoing Singh’s sentiments, Indian Women’s Hockey Captain Savita emphasized the inclusive nature of sports, transcending language barriers, caste, race, and religion. Savita stated, “Sport teaches us to look beyond differences and empowers individuals, particularly women. Through my career in hockey, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports. Let’s come together on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace through the #WhiteCard movement for peace through sport.”
The #WhiteCard initiative, launched in 2013, is an annual digital campaign supported by the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee. Celebrating the power of sports to promote social change and foster peace, the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace coincides with the anniversary of the first modern Summer Olympic Games in 1896.