Hockey India rules out ban on handshakes with Pakistan players
HI clarifies it won’t restrict players from shaking hands or exchanging high-fives with Pakistan teams, citing adherence to Olympic Charter and FIH principles.
New Delhi, Nov 4 : Hockey India (HI) on Monday clarified that it will not restrict its senior and junior men’s and women’s teams from shaking hands or exchanging high fives with Pakistan players during future international tournaments or multisport events.
The statement comes after a social media debate over Indian junior players exchanging high fives with their Pakistani counterparts during the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia last month. The discussion gained traction as the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams had earlier declined post match handshakes with Pakistan players during the Asia Cup and Women’s World Cup in solidarity with victims of terror attacks in Pahalgam.
HI Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh told The Times of India that the federation would continue to uphold the Olympic Charter and the principles of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
“We are not governed by cricket. Whatever the cricketers did was their choice. We follow the Olympic Charter and FIH’s guidelines. There are no instructions from Hockey India to avoid handshakes or high fives,” Singh said.
He added that HI believes in maintaining the spirit of the game and has not, nor will it, issue any directive discouraging sportsmanship gestures.
“We have always respected fair play and will continue to do so. Our players will focus on performing well and winning matches,” he stated.
The clarification came during an event announcing preparations for the 100 years of Indian hockey celebrations, scheduled for November 7 at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Delhi.
As part of the celebrations, a 30 minute exhibition match between the Sports Minister’s XI and a mixed Hockey India XI (comprising both men’s and women’s players) will be held to promote gender parity, teamwork, and inclusivity in the sport.
