In a heartening display of sportsmanship, India and Pakistan’s U-21 hockey teams exchanged handshakes and high-fives before their high-voltage clash at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on October 14. The gesture, which followed the playing of both national anthems, stood in stark contrast to recent cricket encounters between the two nations, where players refrained from customary greetings amid rising diplomatic tensions.
The match, held at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, ended in a thrilling 3–3 draw, but it was the pre-match camaraderie that stole the spotlight. Videos of the players smiling and shaking hands went viral, with fans and commentators praising the young athletes for upholding the spirit of the game. The moment was especially poignant given the backdrop of strained relations following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, which had cast a shadow over bilateral sporting ties.
🧠 Key Highlights from India-Pakistan Hockey Match
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 |
| Date | October 14, 2025 |
| Teams | India U-21 vs Pakistan U-21 |
| Venue | Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, Johor Bahru, Malaysia |
| Pre-match Gesture | Handshakes and high-fives |
| Match Result | 3–3 Draw |
| Notable Scorers (India) | Araijeet Singh Hundal, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Manmeet Singh |
The match saw India come back from a two-goal deficit to take the lead, only for Pakistan to equalize late in the game, ensuring both teams shared the points.
📊 Timeline of India-Pakistan Sporting Gestures
| Date | Sport | Gesture Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Cricket (Asia Cup) | No handshake between men’s teams |
| October 2025 | Cricket (Women’s World Cup) | No handshake post-match |
| October 14, 2025 | Hockey (Sultan of Johor Cup) | Full handshake and high-fives |
The hockey teams’ gesture was reportedly encouraged by both federations, with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) instructing players to avoid emotional confrontations and maintain decorum.
🗣️ Reactions from Sporting and Public Circles
- Hockey India Official: “This is what sport is meant to be—a bridge, not a barrier.”
- PHF Spokesperson: “Our players were told to respect the game and the opponents.”
- Fans on Social Media: “Hockey wins where cricket falters. Proud of these boys!”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Sports Federations | Applauded the gesture |
| Media Analysts | Called it a symbolic thaw in relations |
| Youth Voices | Trending hashtags: #HockeyForPeace #IndiaPakistanHandshake |
| Diplomacy Observers | Saw it as a soft signal of cultural diplomacy |
The handshake has sparked conversations about the role of sport in easing geopolitical tensions and fostering mutual respect.
🧾 Match Statistics – Sultan of Johor Cup 2025: IND vs PAK
| Team | Goals Scored | Goal Scorers (India) | Possession (%) | Penalty Corners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 3 | Araijeet Singh Hundal, Sourabh Kushwaha, Manmeet Singh | 52% | 5 |
| Pakistan | 3 | Not disclosed | 48% | 4 |
India remains unbeaten in the tournament, having previously defeated Great Britain and New Zealand, while Pakistan holds one win from three matches.
🧭 What to Watch Ahead in Sultan of Johor Cup
- India’s Next Match: Against Australia on October 16
- Pakistan’s Schedule: Faces South Korea next
- Semifinal Prospects: India likely to qualify with one more win
- Cultural Impact: Handshake moment may influence other sports
The tournament continues to be a showcase of talent, resilience, and now, diplomacy through sport.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified match reports, federation statements, and media coverage as of October 14, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute political endorsement, diplomatic analysis, or sports betting advice and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
