On April 28, a member of the Sport & EU Board, Aashika Doshi He led and presided over an argument on the influence of sports diplomacy to address inequality. The discussion explored the multidimensional nature of sports diplomacy and the creation of layers of influence. Governments use reflexive sports diplomacy to create and align with positive sports values that are diplomatically of a large range (Murray, 2011). However, sports diplomacy has socio -political impacts. These impacts occur through the creation of an inclusive environment with the feeling of sportsmanship to comply with a set of agreed rules. The sport generates a long -range platform for athletes, particularly for those who participate in sport at the elite level. Sometimes it is seen that represents universal values, where elite athletes can be considered global citizens.
Therefore by extension, Athletes or diplomats in track costumes Show the opportunities that sports diplomacy can provide by exuding the relational attraction that allows representation, communication and negotiation (Rofe, 2019: Tiessen, 2011). The guest speakers, Ashton Hewitt, Amran Malik and the co -author of the blog Lindsay Krasnoff held the perfect combination of the previous perspectives to explore the influence that sports diplomacy may have to address inequality.
The first guide theme addressed by the panel discussed why sports diplomacy is used as a tool to lead and influence positive changes regarding policy development, how can cross -border relationships improve and the ways in which they can promote equality. Krasnoff explained that athletes are in unique positions to observe the intersection of the world’s sports world with international issues. “They are a type of first -line worker, a sports diplomacy that can interact worldwide in a way that other citizens do not experience regularly.”
Sociopolitical impacts are effectively generated using sports diplomacy. This occurs through effective initiatives that reflect the conscious intentionality of efforts. These efforts aim to be sustainable in nature and part of a dialogue in already through a unique program. More, as more athletes, whether elite, professionals, fans or young people, are related to sports diplomacy, are increasingly empowered to use their unique power through the narration of stories, to promote equality and inclusion.
Sports diplomacy provides an important platform to discuss these issues. The voices of athletes are important for international relations, since they can cut the cacophony so that other public figures fight. Athletes have access to parts of society that may be more marginal or underlined. That is why they may seem more authentic and can use their platforms to close the divisions outside the game. Diplomats, on the other hand, participate in a job that is sometimes difficult to define, may seem elitists, must adhere to certain points of conversation of public diplomacy, or may seem intimidating and inaccessible for some parts of the conscious or datative population are totally complete or dative. Diplomats face personal security challenges that can prevent them from becoming effective with certain communities. Therefore, it is here that the world of sport enters, for its power to reach all the strata of society. Malik discussed his work with WICKETZA beneficial organization that uses Crick to gather children from 8 to 19 years in minority communities in Luton (United Kingdom).
Malik explained that the shared experience of practicing and practicing sports together provides common land to help young people closer to each other, as well as their family history to horcated in different political, social, religious or cultural beliefs. “Geopolitical situations can manifest at a localized level, which can sometimes become uncomfortable. Sports diplomacy creates a safe platform to express concerns and understand the perspectives of the other and encourage mutual understanding, compassion and empathy of cooperating and playing the game for those who are there.”
Athletes are fine Placed to use your platform to discuss issues about inequalities, such as gender, race and more, because your audience admires them and pays attention to what they say. Despite their outer qualities in the field or on the court, athletes can be identifiable for the average person, since they do not always win, they suffer setbacks in their careers (either as individuals or teams) and have challenges or challenges. Practicing a sport or supporting a team is a lived experience with which everyday citizens can relate. However, what is more important, athletes come from all origins, all parts of society and different parts of the country. Athletes contribute that experience lived to a commendable and inspiring force that serves an authentic representation of a culture/nation.
For Hewitt, His work outside the rugby field led him to become a member of the Non -Executive Board for the Commonwealth Wales Games. “Being open to talk with people who have different points of view is a starting place to develop a better understanding of delicate problems.” However, his experience legalization for black lives and anti -racism has had a cost of harassment. Hewitt discussed the pressures faced by elite athletes and the need to develop Avia’s support to protect and safeguard those who speak.
The panel discussed How we can better support athletes and coaches who want to take advantage of the framework of sports diplomacy to promote equality. One solution is to have world education standards about sports diplomacy and how to empower and safeguard athletes who decide to use their platforms to work towards greater inclusion and equality.
Another part of the solution is to encourage relationships with allies. The allies are crucial to support athletes of all levels in this work. They can help defend the work of Sports People and amplify their stories. Equally important is the way in which allies can help sports networks at all levels to build communities that the framework of sports diplomacy works for greater equality for all. The events of the last two years have highlighted the need and importance of the community in societies of all stripes; This teamwork is a natural echo of what happens in the field and, therefore, adapts well to the problems in question.
In conclusion, sports diplomacy can be practiced at all levels both individual and collectively by all within its network. The influence of sports diplomacy to address inequality is through the incremental construction of multidimensional bridges. These bridges aim to reduce inequality through understanding and compassion. Sports diplomacy is undoubtedly a unique tool. When a person is in an opposite team, he has a different set of values, or comes from a culture, religion or history of different, sports diplomacy provides the opportunity to extend a friendship to break the relationship of barriers.
Mrs. Aashika Doshi Dr Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff
Board Research Associate
SoasUniversity of London
