Indian Hockey Stars Champion the #WhiteCard Campaign for Peace and Inclusion
Celebrating Sport for Development and Peace
On April 6, the world recognized the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, and Indian hockey players took this opportunity to support the #WhiteCard Campaign. This initiative emphasizes the role of sports as a vital instrument for fostering peace, inclusion, and development.
Organized by Peace and Sport, the #WhiteCard campaign unites the global community to showcase how sports can effectively promote peace and inclusivity, particularly among youth, as highlighted by a statement from Hockey India.
Currently, millions of children are growing up in challenging conditions, with over 250 million lacking access to education and essential life skills. This deprivation not only affects their fundamental rights but also limits their potential for personal growth.
In light of these issues, Peace and Sport advocates for the use of sports as a strategic means to foster peace, inclusion, and child development. When nurtured in a supportive environment, sports can cultivate vital traits such as empathy, cooperation, and resilience, which are essential for creating harmonious societies.
Navneet, a forward for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and recent recipient of the Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2025, stated, “Sport has the ability to unite individuals and dismantle barriers. Through the #WhiteCard campaign, we aim to demonstrate how sports can foster respect, inclusion, and peace within communities.”
Nikki Pradhan, a defender for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team who recently achieved her 200th international cap, expressed, “Every child should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and play in a secure environment. Sports can instill strong values and pave the way for a brighter future, and we are honored to promote this message through the #WhiteCard campaign.”
Midfielder Manpreet Singh added, “Engaging in sports brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds and fosters mutual understanding. By supporting the #WhiteCard campaign, we are illustrating how sports can help create a more positive and inclusive society.”