Bengaluru, 06 April 2026: On the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Indian hockey legends rallied behind the #WhiteCard Campaign, leveraging their platform to champion the transformative power of athletics in fostering global harmony, education, and social inclusion.
Global Solidarity Through the Lens of Sport
The #WhiteCard Campaign, spearheaded by the global organization Peace and Sport, mobilizes international figures to underscore the critical role of athletics in nurturing peace, inclusion, and sustainable development—particularly among the youth. This initiative addresses a pressing global crisis: over 250 million children worldwide remain out of school, denied not only their fundamental right to education but also essential life skills required for personal growth and societal progress.
- 250 million children globally are currently out of school.
- Peace and Sport positions athletics as a strategic tool for peace, inclusion, and child development.
- Key values cultivated through sport include empathy, cooperation, resilience, and community building.
Voices from the Pitch: Hockey's Elite Speak Out
Leading the charge in India were the Indian Women's Hockey Team, whose members recently celebrated individual accolades before joining the global cause. Their commitment to the #WhiteCard Campaign reflects a deep understanding of how athletics can bridge divides and foster mutual respect. - afhow
"Sport has the power to bring people together and break barriers. Through the #WhiteCard campaign, we want to highlight how sport can promote respect, inclusion, and peace across communities." — Navneet, Indian Women's Hockey Team forward, Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2025 recipient.
"Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and play in a safe environment. Sport can help build strong values and a positive future, and we are proud to support this message through the #WhiteCard campaign." — Nikki Pradhan, Indian Women's Hockey Team defender, 200 international caps.
"Playing sport brings people from different backgrounds together and helps build mutual understanding. Supporting the #WhiteCard campaign is our way of showing how sport can contribute to a more positive and inclusive society." — Manpreet Singh, Ace midfielder.
Empowering the Next Generation
By standing in solidarity with the #WhiteCard Campaign, Indian hockey stars are reinforcing a vital message: athletics is not merely a competitive pursuit but a catalyst for societal transformation. Their participation underscores a collective commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the opportunities that sport provides for peace, development, and inclusion.
