Islamabad (GNP) :- International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was observed with renewed focus on sport’s role in fostering unity, inclusion, and sustainable development worldwide.
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.
“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.
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.
