In today’s high-stakes sports landscape, particularly at the elite level such as the Olympic Games, the environment has changed dramatically. This is no longer a world where key decisions and systemic issues can be hidden behind closed doors. Transparency, even when slow, is now a fundamental expectation, and the lack of openness is no longer tolerated by athletes, media, or the public. Institutions that orbit the International Olympic Committee whether federations, advisory bodies, or ethics panels are under growing pressure. If they fail in their duties, they not only risk losing credibility, but also the trust of those they are meant to serve.

It is against this backdrop that Sportsin had the opportunity to speak with Sunil Sabharwal, recently elected President of the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP). Just a few weeks into his term, Sabharwal spoke candidly about the challenges and aspirations ahead, while also reflecting on the legacy of his predecessor. What follows is a detailed exchange with a figure determined to bring renewed relevance and global visibility to the Fair Play movement.

Asked about CIFP’s goals over the past decade and the strategies used to meet them, Sabharwal was quick to credit the leadership that came before him.

“It’s true that I’ve been deeply involved with CIFP for many years, but I’ve only just had the honor of assuming the presidency two weeks ago. The strategic vision and remarkable achievements of the past decade primarily belong to our outgoing and now Honorary President, Dr. Jenö Kamuti, who dedicated over 20 years to leading this organization.

One thing I can say though that not only have we managed to keep the “fair play spirit” alive within the Olympic and the general sports movement, but by establishing a visible presence and presenting dedicated Fair Play awards at major events such as the Olympic Games, the World University Games, and World Athletics Championships we have increased awareness and impact. This kind of direct involvement allows us to recognize acts of sportsmanship as they happen, amplifying their message in real-time.

We have also intensified our collaboration with the International Olympic Committee to deliver educational programs, particularly at several of the Youth Olympic Games, reaching thousands of young athletes and coaches, embedding fair play principles at a formative stage. We hope to broaden these kinds of relationships and include other organizations, such as the Paralympics as well. Moving forward, my aim is to build upon this strong foundation and accelerate these efforts.”

As the conversation turned toward more contemporary forces shaping global sport, Sabharwal was asked about the rise of artificial intelligence and the increasingly dominant role of social media. These technologies have transformed how fairness is judged—not just on the field, but in the digital spaces where reputations can be made or destroyed in minutes.

“This is a wonderful question, and one that highlights the evolving landscape of sports. Yes, it is absolutely realistic to meet such expectations, and we are proactively embracing the challenge. The pervasive influence of social media and the emergence of artificial intelligence present both challenges and opportunities for CIFP.

We are already leveraging these tools to promote our values and combat unfairness. For instance:

On the inaugural UN-designated World Fair Play Day (May 19th), we launched a targeted global social media campaign with our partners, Assistagram, across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. This initiative resulted in a total reach of nearly 5 million users worldwide, demonstrating significant engagement from diverse regions like China to the USA. This is a substantial leap forward for the global fair play movement’s digital footprint but much needs to be done. Our target is 1 Bn!

In terms of safeguarding fairness, we’ve seen powerful examples of ‘fair play in action’ online. A notable instance was at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, during the women’s pole vault. When Holly Bradshaw of Team GB withdrew due to injury, she faced an immediate barrage of negative social media comments. Critically, her fellow competitor, Katie Nageotte of Team USA, stepped in during the ongoing competition to defend her, explaining the immense physical and mental demands of pole vaulting to educate the misinformed online community. We recognized this act with a special Fair Play award, drawing crucial early attention to the impact of online harassment. We are extremely encouraged that major sports organizations, including the IOC, FIFA and World Athletics, are now placing significant attention on identifying and combating these types of virtual attacks. We believe that through enhanced collaboration and the intelligent use of technology, we can collectively create a safer and more respectful online environment for athletes.

Looking ahead, AI will be a powerful ally. It will help us more effectively monitor social media trends, rapidly identify exemplary acts of sportsmanship, and disseminate these inspiring stories globally. However, technology is only one part of the solution. We also call upon the media to continue using their platforms to remind athletes, their support networks (coaches, officials, family), and fans of the fundamental value of fair play. I am convinced that people are yearning for positive, ‘feel-good’ news, and by actively promoting fair play, we can deliver exactly that.”

The role of fair play becomes even more complex when sport intersects with cultural and legal norms. In some countries, veiled athletes face legal bans; in others, strict dress codes are enforced by the state. Asked about how CIFP navigates such contrasting situations, Sabharwal didn’t shy away from the issue.

“This is a complex and sensitive issue that speaks directly to the core principles of fairness and inclusion in sport. While CIFP’s primary focus is on promoting sportsmanship within competition, we unequivocally stand for equality and non-discrimination as foundational elements of fair play and human dignity in sport. When barriers prevent individuals from participating equally, it contradicts the very spirit of fair play.

The contrasting policies you highlight, whether restrictions on certain attire or mandatory dress codes, can indeed create unfair disadvantages or exclusion for athletes. While specific regulations are often determined by national laws or individual sports federations, CIFP’s position is clear: sport should be accessible to all, regardless of background, belief, or personal choices that do not fundamentally compromise the integrity of the sport or the safety of its participants.

We believe in fostering an environment where athletes can participate freely and respectfully. An interesting example from my own sport, fencing, illustrates how solutions can be found: since fencers wear masks (helmets) that cover the head, the wearing of hijabs is fully accepted in competition. This allowed athletes like Olympic bronze medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad of the USA to pursue her passion and achieve elite success while upholding her religious customs. She herself has stated that this inclusivity was a key reason she gravitated towards fencing.

CIFP advocates for dialogue and understanding between governing bodies, athletes, and communities to find inclusive solutions.”

Education, of course, is central to any effort to promote fairness, and Sabharwal was clear that CIFP intends to play a leading role in this space—particularly in cooperation with institutions like the IOC.

“Absolutely, education is not just a key point; it is the cornerstone of cultivating a sustainable culture of fair play. And you are right, while CIFP cannot bear this responsibility alone, we are committed to playing a pivotal and proactive role, especially through strategic collaborations.

One of my core objectives as President is for the world to recognize CIFP as the pre-eminent ‘go-to’ organization for all matters related to fair play and sports ethics. Just as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – an organization that I have had the honor to be involved with in the past – is the authoritative voice on the global economy, I envision CIFP becoming the definitive source for expertise, guidance, and educational initiatives in sports ethics. Whenever someone seeks to develop a seminar, understand best practices, or simply requires an informed opinion on fair play, I want them to instinctively turn to us.

We are already taking concrete steps in this direction, such as Intensified engagement with the IOC. I just attended the IOC’s Olympism365 Summit, a crucial gathering that allowed us to engage in direct discussions and exchange insights with a wide range of stakeholders, from the UN General Director’s office to the IOC’s Olympic Studies Centre, various international federations, athletes etc. These conversations are vital for identifying collaborative opportunities and aligning our educational strategies.

We are currently in the process of strengthening our internal capacity and council expertise to be able to step up to the challenge and help develop, advise on contemporary educational modules and resources tailored for athletes, coaches and officials.

You will see more tangible steps in the coming months as we enhance and expand CIFP’s capacity as a global thought leader and educational partner in sports ethics. This collaborative approach is essential to embed fair play deeply within the fabric of global sport.”

Doping remains one of the greatest threats to the integrity of competition. While enforcement largely falls under the jurisdiction of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), CIFP seeks to confront the issue from a values-based perspective.

“My position on systematic doping is unequivocal: it is fundamentally unacceptable and represents a profound betrayal of the fair play spirit. Doping is the antithesis of fair competition; it is a form of cheating that undermines the integrity of sport, compromises athlete health, and erodes public trust.

While the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rightly holds the primary responsibility for the regulatory and enforcement aspects of anti-doping, CIFP sees its role as a crucial partner in confronting this deeply rooted challenge through proactive educational and ethical initiatives.

Our strategies for effective resistance include:

Ethical Education and Awareness: We wish to collaborate with WADA and other anti-doping organizations to integrate strong ethical components into their educational programs. This goes beyond simply explaining the rules; it delves into the fundamental values of fair play, integrity, and respect for one’s competitors and the sport itself. We aim to foster an intrinsic motivation among athletes to compete cleanly, not just out of fear of sanctions, but out of a deep conviction in the principles of fair play.

Promoting a Culture of Clean Sport: Through our awards and platforms, we celebrate athletes who exemplify clean competition and integrity, showcasing them as role models. This positive reinforcement helps to build a strong culture of clean sport, where doping is seen as morally reprehensible.

Pre-emptive Messaging and Value Reinforcement: We aim to engage young athletes and their support networks (coaches, parents) early in their careers, instilling fair play values before they face the pressures that might lead to doping. This pre-emptive messaging focuses on the inherent rewards of honest competition and the long-term damage that doping inflicts on an athlete’s reputation and well-being.”

Finally, we asked Sabharwal to look beyond policies and into the future. What kind of role should Fair Play have in the broader world of sport?

“Ideally, I envision the International Fair Play Committee holding a globally recognized and indispensable position as the pre-eminent institution upholding the values of sportsmanship and ethical conduct across the entire sports ecosystem. In an increasingly turbulent world, where the stakes – both financial and non-financial – of winning and losing are constantly escalating, the need for a strong moral compass in sport has never been more critical.

We aspire to be an essential ‘cogwheel’ within the machinery of both Olympic and non-Olympic sport, from grassroots to elite levels. This means:

The recognized authority: To be the first point of reference for all matters pertaining to sports ethics, integrity, and fair play education.

A catalyst for positive change: To actively promote and facilitate actions that embody fair play, not just within competition, but also in governance, administration, and community engagement.

A global advocate: To champion the spirit of fair play as a universal language that transcends cultural, political, and economic divides, fostering respect, understanding, and joy in sport.

Our resources are limited – but our aspirations far greater.”