Islamabad (TDI): The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) was marked with a renewed emphasis on the role of sport in promoting unity, inclusion, and sustainable development across the globe.
In a statement reflecting on the occasion, the D-8 grouping highlighted how sport continues to serve as a powerful tool for social transformation, helping to build bridges between communities, encourage positive values, and support global peace efforts. The day, observed annually on April 6, was acknowledged a day later as part of ongoing commemorations.
Secretary-General of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, said in the statement on Sunday that sport serves as a powerful catalyst for social transformation and reinforces the cause of peace.
He said that across the vast D-8 geography, home to 1.28 billion people — including over 650 million youth — sports bring countries and communities together, empower women and youth, and form a strong cultural bridge.
The D-8 boasts of a diverse athletics and sports landscape, with D-8 nations actively engaged in football (soccer), cricket, squash, hockey, badminton, basketball, and volleyball as well as wrestling and martial arts, he added.
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“We are proud that this year, three of our Member States — Egypt, Iran, and Türkiye — will take the global stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026, carrying the passion and shared spirit of the #D8 to this mega event. The three teams have the best wishes of the #D8 family for outstanding performance”, the Secretary General said.
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He added that the D-8 remains committed to deepening sports cooperation within its geography and beyond as a crucial means to promote development, strengthen people-to-people ties, and reinforce regional and international solidarity.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight. He is a seasoned journalist and analyst with over a decade of experience in the media industry. He has deep expertise in national politics and international relations and regularly contributes as an analyst to national and international media outlets.
