di·plo·ma·cy (noun)

the art, practice and skill of handling affairs in maintaining good relations with all without arousing hostility

 

The year 2014 heralds to be a banner year for international sports competitions around the world. Earlier in the year, we celebrated the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia and now on the heals of the 20th FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the XX Commonwealth Games commence tomorrow in Glasgow, Scotland.  All these large sporting events are opportunities for improving human relations through diplomacy in sports – realizing the power of sports to affect change and PEACE building through sports and culture.

Ismailimail prepared these special Sports Diplomacy series with that view in mind, to share inspiring views and actions from around the world, stemming from the encounter of people, places, soccer and everything in between. Here you will read about those stories that bring people together, binding them together in victory or defeat, sharing their moments of joy and sorrow – laughter and tears, strengthening the human fraternity with friendship and service. This dominant impulse of kinship and love for one another is what being human is all about.

We hope you find these series inspiring as we did in producing them!

Yesterday, I visited the magnificent new Aga Khan educational institution. I was shown enough of its work to convince me that this school compared with the finest in the world.

 

One event which I witnessed was a boxing match between two Ismaili boys — one African, one Asian. I saw a good fight and at the end I think each of them thought he had won. Perhaps both were right!

 

To me, this friendly contest reflected something of tremendous importance to our community. It reflected first the qualities of determination and endurance which are demanded by our faith.

These qualities are also necessary to the future leaders of the community and for the country as a whole.

 

At the end of this sporting event, the two boys shook hands and stood together to be photographed.

 

To me this symbolised the partnership between different races which I am convinced is the only condition of peace and prosperity.”

 

– His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims

Takht Nashini (Enthronement) Ceremony, Kampala, Uganda, October 25, 1957

 

A. Discover the Sports Diplomacy Series:

1. Altaf Hirani’s Tanzania based team brings home the Street Child World Cup from Rio!
2. FIFA World Cup 2014, VISA & 32 Countries inspires you to discover Samba
3. IYSC builds the next generation of talent everywhere, “Fostering Stars of the Future”
4. Reminiscing Salim-Sulaiman’s inspiring “Africa – You’re the Star” 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem
5. Reminiscing the Golden Jubilee Games: Celebration Through Sport – “Goal Saving Ovation”
6. Roshan unites Afghanistan through Soccer – “Nazdiq Shodhan”
7. North American Ismaili Games 2014: Jamats strengthening bonds of friendship through competition and seva
8. Timeless Truth of the FIFA World Cup: Kinship not Conquest

B: Explore the Retrospective Series:

1. Aga Khan and Soccer
2. Aga Khan and Ice Hockey

 

Sports Diplomacy Aga Khan Sports Diplomacy: Defining the Series Retrospective: Aga Khan and Ice Hockey Retrospective: Aga Khan and Soccer Road to Jubilee Games: Aga Khan, Sports & Diplomacy   Jubilee Games & Ismaili Games Sports Diplomacy: Reminiscing the Golden Jubilee Games: Celebration Through Sport – “Goal Saving Ovation” Sports Diplomacy: IYSC builds the next generation of talent everywhere, “Fostering Stars of the Future” Sports Diplomacy: North American Ismaili Games 2014: Jamats strengthening bonds of friendship through competition and seva Fanous ignites Jubilee Games spirit across the worldwide Jamat: Australia to Madagascar, Tajikistan to Tanzania, Kenya to Bangladesh, Pakistan to USA, Canada to India, UK to UAE and more to come!   Ismaili Impact Sports Diplomacy: Altaf Hirani’s Tanzania based team brings home the Street Child World Cup from Rio! Sports Diplomacy: Mountaineer Mirza Ali organizes Pakistan’s First National Youth Ski Camp Sports Diplomacy:  Reminiscing Alisha and Salim-Sulaiman’s inspiring “Africa – You’re the Star” 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem Awesome youth in profile: The sportsmanship of Aliya Karmali   FIFA Sports Diplomacy: Timeless Truth of the FIFA World Cup: Kinship not Conquest Sports Diplomacy: Astronauts and Nobel Peace Laureates weigh in on FIFA World Cup 2014 Winner Sports Diplomacy: FIFA World Cup 2014, VISA & 32 Countries inspire you to discover Samba Sports Diplomacy: Roshan unites Afghanistan through Soccer – “Nazdiq Shodhan”   Inspiring Stories Body, Mind and Spirit | 13 year old, Imaan Ali’s refreshing perspective on why he runs Adventure Diplomacy: Beyond the Heights – Mirza Ali shares Samina Baig’s triumphs on Everest in an upcoming documentary movie Tennis: Adil Shamasdin joins Canada’s team for Davis Cup Sarim Charania represented Pakistan for a Runners-up Trophy in South Asian Roll Ball Championship   Research, Insight & Perspective by A. Maherali