National Times Bureau :- In a heartening show of sportsmanship, India and Pakistan’s under-21 hockey players exchanged high-fives ahead of their Sultan of Johor Cup match in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Tuesday, October 14.
The players greeted one another following the playing of both national anthems, setting a friendly tone for the much-awaited contest — a gesture that stood out amid the recent strain in sporting ties between the two countries.
In a welcome display of camaraderie, India and Pakistan’s under-21 hockey players exchanged high-fives before their Sultan of Johor Cup match in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Tuesday, October 14.
The players greeted one another following the playing of both national anthems, creating a positive atmosphere ahead of the much-anticipated clash. The gesture was particularly noteworthy given the recent tensions that have strained sporting ties between the two countries.
This friendly act came just weeks after India and Pakistan’s senior men’s and women’s cricket teams refrained from handshakes during their respective matches due to escalating cross-border hostilities. At last month’s Asia Cup, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team skipped the post-match handshake with Pakistan, while the women’s sides also avoided the traditional greeting before and after their World Cup encounter in Colombo.
Meanwhile, Pakistan had earlier withdrawn from the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, citing logistical and scheduling difficulties. Their participation in the upcoming Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup remains uncertain, particularly since they share a group with India.
In contrast to the hockey display, the men’s Asia Cup cricket tournament in the UAE was overshadowed by off-field controversies.
The friction began when the Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistan during the toss and after the match, drawing sharp criticism across the border. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav later clarified that the gesture was a tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam Terror Attack and a salute to the Indian armed forces — an explanation that sparked mixed reactions, with some accusing the move of political overtones.
Pakistan subsequently filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against India’s conduct. In turn, India lodged a complaint over the provocative celebrations by Pakistani players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan — Rauf’s “jet crashing” and “6-0” gestures and Farhan’s rifle mimicry were described as offensive by the Indian side.
The controversy peaked during the trophy presentation, where Indian players refused to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi. The ceremony was delayed and eventually abandoned midway, with the trophy being removed from the stage before it could be officially handed over — denying the Indian team their moment of triumph.
