IABF President Rakesh Mishra Highlights Sports’ Role in Global Peace at CSIT Congress

The 48th CSIT Ordinary Congress concluded in Aalborg, Denmark, on Saturday after three days of important meetings and discussions. Representing India at the international event, Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) National President Dr. Rakesh Mishra presented his views on the development of sports, international cooperation, opportunities for young talent and the role of sports in promoting global brotherhood.

During the three-day international congress, Dr. Mishra described sports as a strong means of promoting world peace, harmony and global unity. He said sports can bring people from different countries, cultures, languages and traditions onto one platform. According to him, this can strengthen the feelings of mutual trust, respect, friendship and cooperation among people.

In his address, Dr. Mishra highlighted India’s ancient cultural idea, “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् सम्पूर्ण विश्व एक परिवार है”, which means that the entire world is one family. He said sports can provide a powerful way to turn this idea into reality by connecting people beyond national and cultural boundaries.

Dr. Mishra said India’s objective should not be limited only to participating in sports competitions and winning medals. He said sports should also be used to promote the values of humanity, peace and world brotherhood. In his view, the wider contribution of sports lies in bringing people closer and creating an environment based on respect and cooperation.

While presenting his views, Dr. Mishra also referred to the efforts being made for the development of sports in India and the opportunities that have emerged under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote a sports culture in the country. He said sports need to be linked with the personality development of young people, discipline, self-confidence, leadership ability and nation-building.

He also mentioned the commitment of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya towards sports and the efforts being made to provide better opportunities to players. Dr. Mishra said the expansion of sports facilities at the grassroots level, identification of talent, improvement in the quality of training and increased participation in international competitions are important for the future of Indian sports.

The IABF National President also spoke about the possibilities of Indian boxing and the need to provide opportunities to the country’s talented younger generation. He said boxing has immense potential in India. With proper training, modern facilities, transparent opportunities and continuous competition, the abilities of players can be taken to new heights.

He stressed that the development of sports should not remain limited to established players. Talent in rural areas, small cities and remote parts of the country should also receive equal opportunities, he said. Dr. Mishra said increasing the participation of young players, women and participants from different social backgrounds is an important requirement for building a strong and inclusive sports system.

In the context of Indian boxing, Dr. Mishra also highlighted the initiative of the Pro Boxing League, or PBL, Season-1. He said the league is providing new opportunities to players and can support the growth of boxing in the country.

Dr. Mishra said professional sports events give players an opportunity to display their talent, gain competitive experience and take boxing to a wider audience. He underlined the role of such platforms in creating greater opportunities for players and in strengthening the connection between athletes and sports audiences.

The congress also became an occasion for Dr. Mishra to present Indian culture and traditions before international sports officials. During the event, he honoured CSIT President Mr. Bruno Moleo and Secretary General Mr. Wolfgang Burkhardt, along with international office-bearers, by presenting them with Indian angvastram.

Through this gesture, Dr. Mishra presented India’s cultural heritage, tradition of hospitality and spirit of mutual respect. He said international sports platforms are not only places to discuss policies and competitions. They are also a means to strengthen cultural dialogue, friendship and cooperation among different countries.

Dr. Mishra said when players and representatives of sports organisations respect one another’s traditions, the spirit of sports becomes stronger. He described cultural exchange and mutual regard as important parts of the relationship that develops through international sports.

Representatives from various 98 countries took part in discussions during the 48th CSIT Ordinary Congress. The discussions covered the development of sports, international participation and cooperation among sports organisations. Dr. Mishra stressed the need to take dialogue and cooperation with international sports institutions forward.

He said sports can help countries exchange experiences, improve training methods, create new opportunities for young players and ensure greater participation in international competitions. He also said it is necessary for a country like India, with a large young population, to connect its sports talent with global platforms.

According to Dr. Mishra, Indian players should receive wider opportunities to demonstrate their abilities at the international level. Cooperation between sports organisations and participation in global events can help create such opportunities, while the exchange of experiences can contribute to the improvement of training and competition systems.

A central idea of Dr. Mishra’s address was that sports should not be viewed only through the result of victory or defeat. He said sports teach discipline, struggle, patience, fairness and respect for an opponent. Players from different countries compete against one another on the field, but the spirit of sports brings them closer.

He said the world needs mutual trust, cooperation and harmony more than ever. In such a situation, sports can become a common language that connects people beyond borders. Dr. Mishra said putting India’s idea of “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्” into practice through sports can make an important contribution towards global unity and peaceful coexistence.

His participation in the 48th CSIT Ordinary Congress provided an opportunity to present Indian boxing, India’s approach to sports development and Indian cultural values before international representatives. His address placed emphasis on the expansion of sports, encouragement of talent, participation of young people, international cooperation and the importance of human values.

Through his views, Dr. Mishra underlined that the real success of sports cannot be measured only by medals and records. He said it also lies in the relationships, opportunities and positive values that sports develop for society and the world.

The conclusion of the three-day congress in Aalborg marked the completion of discussions involving representatives from 98 countries. India’s participation through Dr. Rakesh Mishra brought together the subjects of sports development, boxing, youth opportunities, international cooperation and cultural exchange, while placing the message of “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्” at the centre of the discussion on the wider role of sports.