India, Oct 15 : The India vs Pakistan junior hockey match at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, witnessed a display of sportsmanship as players from both sides exchanged high-fives after the national anthems and concluded the game with handshakes following a thrilling 3-3 draw on Tuesday.
The friendly interaction on the field stood in sharp contrast to the Asia Cup cricket tournament last month, where Indian and Pakistani players refrained from customary on-field interactions. During the Asia Cup, the Indian cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, did not shake hands with Pakistani players following Operation Sindoor and dedicated their victory to the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack. India also declined to receive the trophy from PCB and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.
“I don’t know what will happen next. Dilli abhi bahut door hai (Delhi is still very far). We only play in multi-nation tournaments, and whatever happens at that time, we will see. For now, this is the moment which we want to enjoy,” Yadav had commented at the time.
In contrast, the atmosphere at the Sultan of Johor Cup hockey match was respectful and competitive, with players focusing on the game rather than off field tensions. Reports indicate that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) instructed its players to avoid confrontation and maintain focus on the match, contributing to a sportsmanlike environment.
The high fives and handshakes symbolized a positive moment for India-Pakistan sports relations, showcasing that rivalry on the field can coexist with mutual respect and fair play.