Indian hockey team gives high fives to Pakistan players, shake hands to end bitter sporting enmity after Asia Cup row

By Admin

15 Oct, 2025

In a heartwarming moment of sportsmanship that defied recent tensions, the Indian hockey team gave high-fives to their Pakistani counterparts before the start of their Sultan of Johor Cup match in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The gesture marked a refreshing change in India-Pakistan sporting relations, coming just months after cricket teams from both nations avoided handshakes during the Asia Cup 2025 and ODI World Cup 2025 in the wake of Operation Sindoor.

A Symbolic Start at Johor Bahru

As the teams lined up before the U21 match, the Pakistan players stood in formation while the Indian players high-fived each of them before taking their positions on the field. Though there was no formal handshake at the beginning, the friendly exchange of high-fives was enough to signal mutual respect and sportsmanship.

Political Tensions Still in the Background

Given the ongoing political sensitivities, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had instructed its players to be “mentally prepared” for a potential “no-handshake” scenario. “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,” a PHF official shared. The PHF further emphasized that the players should remain focused solely on their performance, avoiding any controversies on or off the turf.

A Thrilling Contest on the Field

The match itself lived up to the hype, with India and Pakistan playing out a thrilling 3–3 draw. Pakistan took an early 2–0 lead, with Hannan Shahid converting a penalty stroke in the 5th minute and Sufyan Khan adding another from a penalty corner. India fought back in the second half, with Araijeet Singh Hundal reducing the deficit through a penalty stroke in the 43rd minute. Sourabh Anand Kushwaha equalised in the 47th minute, and Manmeet Singh put India ahead in the 53rd. However, Sufyan struck again in the 55th minute to ensure Pakistan shared the points.

Ending with Handshakes and Harmony

The match concluded with a scene that captured the spirit of true sportsmanship   players from both sides shook hands, smiling and congratulating one another. The camaraderie that began with high-fives before kickoff carried through to the final whistle, breaking the ice that political narratives had built around India-Pakistan sporting ties.

India’s Strong Tournament Run

Under the mentorship of legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, the Indian U21 team continues to shine at the Sultan of Johor Cup. They remain unbeaten in the tournament, having secured impressive wins over Great Britain (3–2) and New Zealand (4–2). Meanwhile, Pakistan, who began their campaign with a commanding 7–1 victory over hosts Malaysia, will look to bounce back from their defeat against Great Britain.

A Step Toward Renewed Sportsmanship

While the cricketing world still reels from diplomatic strains, the Indian and Pakistani hockey teams showed that rivalry need not replace respect. Their actions on the field in Johor Bahru remind us that sports have the unique power to bridge divides   one high-five at a time.