The Indian junior men’s hockey team players demonstrated sportsmanship by exchanging pleasantries with their Pakistani counterparts during the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia on Tuesday, contrasting with the recent “no handshake” incidents between the countries’ cricket teams following security tensions.Videos and photos circulating showed U-21 players from both sides greeting each other and engaging in high fives during their encounter.
WATCH: India, Pakistan teams at the start of Sultan of Johor Cup matchThis friendly exchange came shortly after India and Pakistan’s cricket teams avoided handshakes during their Asia Cup matches in UAE and World Cup game in Colombo, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor.The cricket teams maintained their stance of no handshakes across three Asia Cup encounters, with the women’s teams following suit during their World Cup match in Sri Lanka.
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India’s refusal to shake hands and accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi led to Pakistan filing official complaints with the ACC and ICC.
India and Pakistan played out a 3-3 draw in the Sultan of Johor Cup. (Image: X/Media_SAI)
“India cannot accept the trophy from a person who is waging a war against the country,” the BCCI stated, justifying the team’s refusal after Naqvi, who serves as PCB chief and Pakistan’s interior minister, declined to present the trophy.The hockey match itself proved competitive as India and Pakistan played to a 3-3 draw in their third group-stage match of the age-group tournament.India displayed resilience by overcoming a two-goal deficit to take the lead, before Pakistan scored late to level the match.The draw helped India maintain their undefeated status in the tournament.
