Saira Imran The India Pakistan hockey handshake ended a long-standing sports tension between the two nations. Players from both under-21 hockey teams shook hands before their match in Malaysia, breaking the “no-handshake” tradition started by the Indian Cricket Board.
This friendly moment took place during the Sultan of Johor Cup on Tuesday. The handshake between the players quickly went viral on social media and became a major topic of discussion.
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For some time, both countries avoided shaking hands in any sports event. The tension began after the Pahalgam incident and a brief conflict in May, which affected their sporting relations. The Indian cricket team had even refused to shake hands with Pakistani players in the Asia Cup and World Cup matches.
The new gesture during the hockey match showed a positive change. It highlighted that sports can bridge differences and promote peace beyond political issues.
The India Pakistan hockey handshake once again reminded everyone that true sportsmanship means respect, unity, and friendship between players — no matter the rivalry.
