The India-Pakistan junior hockey match at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, offered a refreshing display of sportsmanship. Players from both sides exchanged high-fives after the national anthems and ended the game with friendly handshakes following a thrilling 3-3 draw on Tuesday.
This cordial interaction stood in sharp contrast to last month’s Asia Cup cricket tournament, where Indian and Pakistani players avoided any on-field gestures. During that event, the Indian cricket team led by Suryakumar Yadav skipped the customary handshake with their Pakistani counterparts following Operation Sindoor. They later dedicated their victory to the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack.
India also declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from PCB and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who currently serves as Pakistan’s interior minister. Reflecting on the situation, Yadav had said, “Delhi is still far. We will see what happens when we play Pakistan next.”
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the Sultan of Johor Cup was calm and competitive. The Pakistan Hockey Federation had reportedly instructed its players to stay focused on the game and avoid confrontation, ensuring a smooth and respectful contest.
