Why is the Pakistan Hockey Team Advised to Avoid Handshakes Before the India Match?
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Synopsis
As Pakistan prepares to clash with India in the Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has implemented a no-handshake policy for players. This directive reflects the ongoing tensions between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of focusing on gameplay amidst the rivalry. Will this policy affect the players' performance?
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan Hockey Federation has advised players to avoid handshakes with Indian team.
- The Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup features six elite international teams.
- Focus on gameplay is emphasized amidst heightened tensions.
- Both nations share a historical rivalry in hockey.
- No-handshake policies have been previously observed in cricket.
New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) As the Pakistan junior hockey team prepares to face their historic rivals, India, in a significant match during the Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup on Tuesday, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has advised the players to refrain from anticipating any handshakes and to steer clear of potential confrontations with the Indian team in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, as per reports.
The esteemed Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup is being held at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium from October 11 to 18, featuring six elite international teams, including Pakistan, Australia, England, India, Malaysia, and New Zealand.
This match is pivotal for both teams given the ongoing tensions between the nations, prompting the PHF to issue specific directives to its players.
"Head coach Kamran Ashraf has communicated to the Pakistan junior team and staff to avoid any disputes with Indian players on the field and focus solely on their gameplay during the Sultan of Johor Cup match on Tuesday," a PHF official stated to Telecom Asia Sport.
The federation has indicated that players should not expect any handshakes from their Indian counterparts, nor should they initiate any themselves.
"The PHF officials have informed the players to be psychologically prepared for a no-handshake protocol from the Indian team," the official was quoted as saying by www.telecomasia.net.
Recently, the Indian teams adopted a no-handshake policy in matches against Pakistan, starting with the men's cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, which declined to shake hands in their three encounters during the recent cricket Asia Cup in Dubai.
Moreover, the Indian team also refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Federation President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the president of the Pakistan Cricket Board and was notably involved in military tensions between the two nations earlier this year.
Similarly, the Indian women's cricket team maintained the no-handshake stance when they faced Pakistan in the Women's ODI World Cup in Colombo recently.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan in hockey is historic, with both nations competing fiercely for Olympic gold in three tournaments and two World Cup finals, each securing one title. Their encounters have also been intense at the initial six editions of the Asian Games where hockey was included.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that while sports often serve as a unifying force, they can also reflect underlying tensions. The Pakistan Hockey Federation's decision to implement a no-handshake policy demonstrates their awareness of the current socio-political climate. This action is not just about the game, but also about ensuring the safety and focus of young athletes amidst a historically charged rivalry. Our commitment remains to provide a platform for sportsmanship while acknowledging the realities that shape these encounters.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the Pakistan Hockey Federation advised against handshakes?
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has implemented a no-handshake policy to prevent any potential confrontations and to help players focus solely on their game against India amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
What is the Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup?
The Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup is a prestigious hockey tournament taking place in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, featuring top international junior teams.
When is the match between Pakistan and India scheduled?
The crucial match between Pakistan and India is scheduled for Tuesday during the Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup.
Have there been previous instances of no-handshake policies in sports?
Yes, the Indian cricket teams have recently adopted a no-handshake policy during matches against Pakistan, reflecting similar sentiments in other sports.
What is the historical context of India-Pakistan hockey rivalry?
India and Pakistan have a long-standing rivalry in hockey, having competed fiercely for Olympic gold and World Cup titles, with both countries sharing significant victories.
