Indian hockey team gives high fives to Pakistan players, ends bitter sporting enmity after Asia Cup handshake row

The Pakistan players lined up as their Indian counterparts high-fived each of them before taking their positions in the match at Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Tuesday. The Sultan of Johor Cup is an annual U21 men's hockey tournament held in Malaysia.

India's refusal to engage in post-match handshakes during their Asia Cup cricket matches — including the final — sparked a diplomatic row, prompting Pakistan to lodge an official protest with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Expecting something similar even on the hockey turf, a senior official of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) confirmed that their players were instructed to be mentally prepared for a "no handshakes" scenario in Tuesday’s match.

"The players have been told that if the Indian players don't shake hands before or after the match, just ignore the gesture and move on. They have also been told to avoid any emotional tussles or signs during the game," the PHF official said.

The PHF was keen to keep its players focused amid growing political undertones. "We have told the players to just focus on their matches," the official added.

India and Pakistan play out 3-3 draw, players shake hands

India and Pakistan played out a thrilling 3–3 draw. The same camaraderie that was seen at the start of the match was seen even after the match as players from teams shook hands after a high-intensity clash.

India came back from a two-goal deficit to briefly take the lead, only for Pakistan to equalise late and share the points. Hannan Shahid opened the scoring for Pakistan via a penalty stroke in the 5th minute, followed by Sufyan Khan converting a penalty corner to make it 2-0.

India responded through Araijeet Singh Hundal, who scored from a penalty stroke in the 43rd minute. Sourabh Anand Kushwaha equalised with a sharp finish in the 47th minute before Manmeet Singh gave India the lead in the 53rd. However, Sufyan struck again in the 55th to level the match.

Despite the result, India remained unbeaten in the tournament.

Pakistan, after a heavy 7-1 win over hosts Malaysia in their tournament opener, fell short against Great Britain in their second match. India, under the guidance of legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, have had a strong start with consecutive wins over Great Britain (3-2) and New Zealand (4-2).

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