Tue Oct 14 16:08:34 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Hockey Heals? India and Pakistan Junior Hockey Teams Display Sportsmanship in Stark Contrast to Asia Cup Cricket**
Johor Bahru, Malaysia – In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, the Indian and Pakistani junior hockey teams engaged in friendly gestures during their Sultan of Johor Cup match on Tuesday, a stark contrast to the recent frosty encounters between the two nations’ cricket teams at the Asia Cup.
Before the highly anticipated hockey match, players from both sides exchanged high-fives after their national anthems. The camaraderie continued after the thrilling 3-3 draw, with players seen shaking hands, defying expectations of strained relations.
This display stands in sharp contrast to the recently concluded Asia Cup cricket tournament, where the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refused to engage in on-field pleasantries with their Pakistani counterparts. The refusal to shake hands was reportedly connected to “Operation Sindoor” and a dedication of their win to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. After winning the final against Pakistan, the Indian team also declined to receive the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had proactively advised its players to avoid confrontation and concentrate on the game, even bracing them for a potential snub from the Indian side. “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,” a PHF official told PTI.
While tensions remain high in cricket, the Sultan of Johor Cup showcased a different side of India-Pakistan sporting relations, with hockey players demonstrating a spirit of unity and respect on the field.
First Piper 