While sports in itself has great potentials to reduce conflict, it remains marred by a lack of gender equality and sexism.
Author
Sriparna Pathak, Associate Professor, Chinese Studies and International Relations, Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Summary
Conflict has remained at the centre-stage of international relations across various epochs of global history. However, the attempt to reduce conflicts has also been a constant. In the myriads of tools and mechanisms that have emerged to reduce possibilities of conflict, sports stands out. Diplomacy is practised through sports and sports events facilitate dialogue and cooperation among countries. International sports events also promote cross-cultural understandings, contributing to people-to-people contacts. Hosting major sports events also boost tourism and economic growth, while enhancing national prestige.
Examples of how sports contribute to the easing of tensions between countries include ping-pong diplomacy of 1971 when United States (US)-China table tennis exchanges eased tensions and the 2018 Winter Olympics when North and South Korea marched together, promoting unity. While sports in itself has great potentials to reduce conflict, it remains marred by a lack of gender equality and sexism. Gender inequality has always remained and continues to remain a big source of discrimination leading to various forms of social and political conflicts. Sexism in sports is a persistent issue that has affected women athletes, coaches as well as officials.
Published in: Hindustan Times
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