On 6 April, the global community comes together to celebrate the United Nations’ International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. This special day highlights the critical role sports play in promoting social change, community development, and fostering peace and understanding worldwide. As enthusiasts and professionals within our fantastic sport, it is an opportune moment for us at the International Boxing Association (IBA) to reflect on the profound impact that boxing has in the most difficult and deprived areas across the globe.

Boxing, with its rich history and global appeal, embodies the essence of discipline, respect, and equality. These are not just the core values of our sport but are also fundamental to the mission of the UN’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Through boxing, individuals from various walks of life come together, bridging cultural and societal gaps, and contributing to a more peaceful and inclusive world.

Boxing has long been more than a sport; it’s a proven and powerful tool. Across communities worldwide, boxing gyms and programs have become sanctuaries for young people, offering them a path away from adversity. Through the discipline of training, athletes learn the values of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. These lessons extend far beyond the gym, empowering individuals to strive for better in their lives and communities.

Furthermore, boxing promotes equality and inclusivity, breaking down barriers related to gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. Initiatives spearheaded by the IBA and its Confederations and National Federations have paved the way for girls and boys, men and women, to stand equal in the ring. These efforts are a testament to the sport’s ability to foster unity and respect among diverse groups.

The UN’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace also emphasizes the role of sport in promoting peace. Boxing, in this context, serves as a bridge for understanding and reconciliation. Boxing knows no borders. Our athletes are allowed to compete under their flag and anthem, no matter of political situations in the world. Through international competitions, boxing brings together nations that might otherwise be divided by political or cultural differences. The spirit of fair play and mutual respect that governs our sport is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together in the spirit of cooperation and peace.

As we commemorate the UN’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, let us recommit ourselves to harnessing the power of boxing for the greater good. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of our athletes, not just as sportspeople but as ambassadors of peace and development. We encourage everyone within the boxing community to engage in initiatives that promote social change, foster peace, and contribute to the development of their communities.

In doing so, we not only uphold the values of our sport but also contribute to the larger goals of the United Nations. By working together, we can ensure that boxing remains a force for positive change, inspiring future generations to build a more peaceful and equitable world.

Let us all embrace the spirit of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, recognizing the transformative power of sport, and particularly boxing, as a means to achieve a better and more peaceful world. Together, we can make a difference.

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