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India vs Pakistan hockey match faces controversy as Pakistan instructs players to avoid handshakes, echoing Asia Cup tensions. The political overtones and past grievances threaten to overshadow the high-stakes Sultan of Johor Cup clash on October 14.
Handshake Controversy Clouds India-Pakistan Clash at Sultan of Johor Cup 2025
New Delhi: The Indian junior hockey team has made a strong start in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025, which began in Malaysia on October 11. India defeated Great Britain 3-2 and New Zealand 4-2 in their first two matches to take first place in the points table.
A total of six teams are participating in this tournament.
The most anticipated match of this tournament will be played between India and Pakistan on October 14. But even before the match, the match had been mired in controversy. The reason is the controversy surrounding the "handshake."
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The Pakistan Hockey Federation has instructed its players to be prepared to refrain from shaking hands with the Indian team.
The roots of this controversy lie in last month's Cricket Asia Cup. When the Indian cricket team refused to shake hands with Pakistani players after Operation Sindoor (a military operation against terrorism) in India, the Pakistan Cricket Board filed a complaint with the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) and the ICC (International Cricket Council).
An official from the Pakistan Hockey Federation stated that if the Indian team again refuses handshakes, the Pakistani players will not respond.
They have been clearly instructed not to make any gestures, retaliate, or confront, and to ignore them. This step has been taken to prevent the dispute from escalating further.
India: 2 matches, 2 wins, 1st place (6 points)
Australia: 1 win, 1 draw, 2nd place (4 points)
Great Britain and Pakistan: 3rd and 4th place
Malaysia (hosts): No wins yet
New Zealand: Lost both matches, bottom
The hockey match between India and Pakistan is being viewed not just in sporting terms, but also in political and social contexts. The handshake controversy is a sign that diplomacy and national sentiments have become embedded in the sport.
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It remains to be seen whether this high-voltage match on October 14th will remain confined to hockey or spark another controversy.
