India-Pakistan Players High-Five Ahead Of Marquee Clash In FIH Pro League

Published 23 June 2026 · sports

India-Pakistan Players High-Five Ahead Of Marquee Clash In FIH Pro League Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 20:02 IST Men's hockey teams of India

India-Pakistan Players High-Five Ahead Of Marquee Clash In FIH Pro League Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 20:02 IST Men's hockey teams of India and Pakistan exchange greetings before FIH Pro League clash, setting aside tensions after the Pahalgam attack. Rapid Read Pakistan celebrate after scoring the opening goal The Indian men’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, and their Pakistani counterparts, captained by Abu Mahmood, exchanged greetings ahead of their marquee clash in the FIH Pro League, keeping aside all differences that have further soured relationships across the border. Ever since the attack on Indian nationals in Pahalgam in April 2025, relations between the two countries have worsened and since the men’s Asia Cup in September, the two sets of players have avoided shaking hands as well.

Indian skippers, including Suryakumar Yadav, said that skipping the handshake was a gesture of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and a sign of solidarity with the Indian armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor. The decision sparked mixed reactions. Pakistan’s coaching staff and team management expressed disappointment at the time, while the Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a formal protest with the Asian Cricket Council over what they viewed as a breach of post-match sportsmanship protocols. Suryakumar, who led India to a win in the Asia Cup clash, said that the team had agreed beforehand, aligned with BCCI and the Indian government, not to exchange handshakes with the opposition, a decision that left Pakistan disappointed.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson stated that his team waited after the game expecting the customary handshake, only to realise that the Indian team had opted to skip the gesture. Earlier, India’s Hardik Singh had told this publication that one must act like an athlete during a match and keep off-field skirmishes out of the situation. Asked if the hockey team would follow the cricket teams, Hardik had said, “No, we haven’t discussed that, but I believe that once you step onto the field, you must act like an athlete. Whatever the situation, refusing a handshake isn’t an option." “If we don’t shake hands, then let’s not tackle them either. On the field, we respect our opponents, they respect us and together we showcase great hockey to the world," Hardik had added.

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