On the occasion of World Fair Play Day, the International Fistball Association (IFA) has underlined the enormous importance of fair play within the sport of fistball and expressed its pride in being part of the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP).
Celebrated annually as an official observance on the United Nations calendar, World Fair Play Day highlights the global importance of integrity, respect and ethical behavior in sport. This year’s edition also marked the first World Fair Play Day under the leadership of new CIFP President Sunil Sabharwal, who announced several major initiatives aimed at strengthening education, ethics and sportsmanship worldwide.
Among the key developments is the launch of the Fair Play Academic Circle (F-PAC), bringing together internationally renowned sports philosophers and ethicists to address modern ethical challenges in sport. The initiative will be led by Sigmund Loland, one of the world’s leading experts in the philosophy of sport.
For the International Fistball Association, the topic of fair play has always been deeply rooted in the culture of the sport. Respect for opponents, referees and teammates, honesty on and off the field, and a strong spirit of community are considered fundamental values within international fistball.
At the same time, fair play also plays a central role in the new strategic direction of the IFA. Promoting respect, integrity and positive sporting values is one of the key pillars for the future development of international fistball. As part of the World Fistball Day 2026 celebrations on January 30, the IFA Awards also included Fair Play recognition for the very first time. Three special IFA Fair Play Awards were presented to individual athletes and one team, highlighting exceptional examples of sportsmanship and ethical behavior within the global fistball community.
“Fair play has an enormous significance in fistball and is one of the core values of our sport,” said Gastão Englert. “We are proud to be part of the International Fair Play Committee and to support initiatives that strengthen integrity, respect and ethical behavior in sport worldwide. Especially in today’s sporting landscape, it is essential that we continue to actively promote these values at every level of competition. The introduction of the Fair Play Awards during World Fistball Day was another important step to visibly recognize and reward these values within our international community.”
