In a refreshing display of sportsmanship, Pakistan and India’s junior hockey teams set a new example of respect and camaraderie during their Sultan of Johor Cup clash on Tuesday. The intense match between the arch-rivals ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Pakistan’s Sufyan Khan scoring twice and Hannan Shahid adding one goal.
Before the game began, both teams lined up for their national anthems and exchanged high-fives — a symbolic gesture of unity amid strained sporting relations. This stood in stark contrast to recent cricket encounters, where Indian teams had refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, sparking widespread criticism.
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During the 2025 Asia Cup and ICC Women’s World Cup, Indian captains reportedly declined handshakes following political instructions from New Delhi — a move seen as unsporting and divisive. Those incidents overshadowed the spirit of competition that binds the subcontinent’s sporting heritage.
But Tuesday’s hockey match in Johor Bahru marked a welcome departure. The young athletes from both nations reminded the world that sportsmanship transcends politics — proving that respect, not rivalry, defines true competition.
