Bhubaneswar: Indian Hockey stars on Wednesday joined the White Card campaign to support the peace-through-sport movement on the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP). Just like various colour cards in the sporting world, the White Card is a symbol to promote worldwide peace efforts. The United Nations General Assembly in 2013 declared April 6 as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace to recognise the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and in people’s lives across the globe. Joining the global initiative, women’s team goalkeeper Savita Punia said: “Sport has the ability to unify and inspire a generation. Let’s celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace through this wonderful White Card initiative for the peace-through-sport movement. “We are extremely happy to see that our success stories have inspired the women of a new generation. Sport is the biggest example of women empowerment,” said Defender Deep Grace Ekka while showing the White Card to celebrate the power of sport. The experienced forward Rani Rampal said: “Sport has the capacity to pull down barriers. It teaches us to look beyond race, caste, and religious differences. Nothing unites people like sports does. It has the real power to empower humankind.” The men’s team defender Amit Rohidas also joined the annual campaign and stated: “Sport has not only given me confidence, but it has also made me a good person. It also teaches valuable life lessons. Let’s celebrate sport’s role in promoting peace. “Sport play a major role in society. It empowers everyone. It brings people together and makes the world a better place. Join me to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and here’s White Card for the peace-through-sport movement,” said the midfielder Manpreet Singh. UNI BAV MR
