'Just ignore and move on': Pakistan hockey team receives special handshake instruction ahead of India clash

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has reportedly issued clear instructions to its junior team ahead of their much-anticipated Sultan of Johor Cup match against India in Johar Bahru, Malaysia. The players have been told to avoid any emotional reactions and not engage in any confrontations with their Indian counterparts, even if the Indian team refuses to shake hands.

The controversy has now spilled over from cricket to hockey. Recently, the Indian cricket team refused to shake hands with Pakistani players during their 2025 Asia Cup matches in Dubai, UAE. Suryakumar Yadav and his team chose to boycott Pakistan as a mark of respect to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian armed forces. The Indian hockey team may replicate the same during their upcoming match against Pakistan.

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Pakistan players asked to avoid confrontation with India

Meanwhile, a report has emerged claiming that Pakistani players have been specifically advised to maintain focus on their game. They have also been told to avoid any emotional tussles or signs during the game and ignore if India adopts the no-handshake policy during their game, just as they did in cricket matches recently.

“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 or signs during the game," news agency PTI quoted a PHF source as saying.

The women’s cricket teams of both countries also avoided handshakes during their ICC Cricket World Cup 2025 encounter in Colombo, Sri Lanka earlier this month. Pakistan recently refused to send its team to India for the men's hockey Asia Cup in Rajgir. Bangladesh replaced them in the tournament.

Recently, hockey star Hardik Singh stated that the rivalry between India and Pakistan has diminished, pointing out the growing gap between the two teams.

“I think that right now there is no competition, so there is no point talking about it, there is no doubt in the widening gap. Because the way things are going these days, I think it is not there only,” Hardik was quoted as saying.