Sports, Inclusivity, and Peace Trio for Achieving SDG-16 in India: Special Reference to the Hockey Initiatives of Odisha

The United Nations highlights sport as an important tool in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, it is crucial for the states to nurture a sustainable and inclusive sport atmosphere for peace and inclusivity, ensuring justice to all irrespective of faith, ethnicity, and gender. Sport is critical in shaping social cohesion and unity. Hence, all stakeholders should coordinate among each other to facilitate a just, reasonable, and transparent atmosphere, introducing a positive change in societies. Sports have the potential to promote a holistic development that not only focuses on physical well-being but also fosters inner peace and emotional stability. Therefore, a strong political will and resources are essential to invest in sports infrastructure, creating a diverse, inclusive, and peaceful society. Various war-footing steps have been taken at different levels to build cost-effective sport atmospheres. SDG-16 of the United Nations, International Day of Sport, and efforts by numerous countries, especially by India, are crucial in marking the role of sports aligned with the social development agendas. The Indian state of Odisha has started its sponsorship assistance for the resurgence of hockey with Rs. 150 crores in 2018. The objective of this chapter is to explore the role of hockey as a transformative tool for social and economic development in Odisha, to examine how the state government’s investment in hockey promotes inclusivity, fosters peace, and drives sustainable development, and to analyse the intersection of sports, governance, marketing strategies, and social change, positioning Odisha as a model for leveraging sports for broader societal impact. This study will take insights from secondary literature to provide a nuanced understanding of how sport enforces social progress and a peaceful society.