Dr Narayan's team presents paper at 'Sports for Peace' Conference, Seoul
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 17 2025: Dr Kshetrimayum Narayan, Assistant Professor, Department of South East Asian Studies, Manipur University and president, Manipur University Teachers' Association (MUTA), along with co-authors Prof N Tejmani Singh, Victoria Yaiphabi Mutum and Ch Sanajaoba Meitei presented a paper entitled, "Sports and Culture as Diplomacy: Connecting South Korea and Manipur" at the International Conference held at Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea on November 15, 2025 .

The International Conference on "Sports for Peace" was organised by the World Society for Peace Sports.

The paper explored how sports and culture function as instruments of soft diplomacy, strengthening relations and fostering goodwill between South Korea and Manipur.

The authors argued that contemporary diplomacy has shifted towards inclusive, people-centred approaches where sports, cultural heritage, youth participation, and academic cooperation contribute significantly to international understanding and peacebuilding.

The paper focused on sports diplomacy.

It highlighted the potential for joint training programmes, martial arts exchanges, sports science research, youth camps, and tournaments that can deepen bilateral cooperation.

The paper also examined cultural diplomacy as an equally important domain.

Notably, on November 16, Dr Narayan participated in the Son Kee Chung Memorial Marathon in Seoul and successfully completed the 10 km run.

The marathon, held annually in honour of Son Kee Chung - first Korean Olympic gold medallist, symbolises endurance, peace, and international unity.

Dr Narayan's participation served as a meaningful gesture of sportsmanship and friendship between Manipur and South Korea.

It also demonstrated how academic representation and athletic participation together can reinforce the broader theme of sports for peace promoted by the conference.

The study underscored that both sports and cultural diplomacy contribute powerfully to peacebuilding and mutual understanding.

Sports create neutral and inclusive spaces that transcend political boundaries, while cultural exchanges cultivate respect, empathy, and shared identity.

The authors argued that strengthening these domains can significantly enhance bilateral engagement and promote longterm cooperation between South Korea and Manipur.

The paper reaffirmed that sports and culture are vital tools for soft diplomacy in the contemporary world.

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