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We wouldn’t have imagined writing about wars in 2022, but here we are. Factually speaking, the Russian attack on Ukraine isn’t the first instance of war in these times, there’s violence in

Palestine, in Syria, in Afghanistan. However, the kind of rightful support pouring in for the Ukrainians in these unimaginable times gives us some hope that those living in safer spaces will

stand up for everyone who is suffering. 

Here are instances of sports doing its part in appealing for peace and standing up for the people of Ukraine. 

1. Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev took a strong stand against the violent policies of his country’s leadership and wrote “no war please” on the camera after winning the semifinal of the

Dubai Tennis Championships (he won the tournament a few days later).

Russian tennis player Andrey Rublev writes "No war please" on the camera following his advancement to the final in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/GQe8d01rTd

2. Inspired by it Jiří Veselý, a Czech tennis professional wrote: “No war” on the camera.

🇨🇿 Jiří Veselý follows up 🇷🇺 Andrey Rublev's message from the other semifinal with a similar message of his own. "No war!"(🎥: ATP) pic.twitter.com/6OW0GKtoci

3. When Ukrainian footballer Roman Yaremchuk came in to play as a substitute for his team Benfica, the stadium erupted with applause. Visibly moved by the gesture, Yaremchuk thanked the

crowd. 

Ukrainian footballer Roman Yaremchuk comes on as a substitute for Benfica in Lisbon. Watch what happens. pic.twitter.com/H2HCZCq9Os

4. During the Everton vs Manchester City, Vitaly Mykolenko and Oleksandr Zinchenko got emotional seeing the outpouring of love for them and their country Ukraine.

Heartbreaking to see Oleksandr Zinchenko in tears before kick-off as both teams show their support for Ukraine 💔 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/bZYNyziMSh

5. The International Olympics Committee, in a very strong statement, asked the sports bodies to cancels games in or against Russia and to play the country’s national anthem at events.

#BREAKING International Olympic Committee (IOC) urges all federations to cancel events in Russia or Belarus #AFPSports pic.twitter.com/qyzhXWx4xc

6. F1 legend Sebastian Vettel refused to participate in Russia GP, in the wake of its attack on Ukraine. Other drivers are also expected to do the same.

“I will not go.”Sebastian Vettel says he is prepared to boycott the #RussianGP if #F1 does not cancel the Sochi race following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/WSVWEWkqE2

7. Another Russian tennis player and the current world number 1, Daniil Medvedev posted this heartwarming message on his social media handle in the wake of the current events.

9. For now, FIFA has banned Russia from hosting any international football match.

BREAKING: FIFA announces no international football games to be played in Russia, while the team’s flag and anthem will be banned during matches in other nations

10. Poland has refused to play football matches against Russia, this includes their World Cup qualifier. Here are the team’s captain, Robert Lewandowski’s words on the matter: 

As an athlete, I can’t pretend nothing is happening🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/eL0ccpJhdG

Sports has an unreal capacity of offering love if people put their hearts in the right place. Even if subconsciously – that’s what draws most of us to it in the first place. May there be

peace.