Hockey India, the governing body for hockey in India, has confirmed that it will not prevent its players from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during future international matches. The decision comes despite the ongoing debates and controversies surrounding cricket, where players from India have refrained from shaking hands with Pakistani players in recent times.
Hockey India stated that the actions and decisions taken by cricket are entirely their own matter. The organisation further clarified that it will continue to uphold the values of sportsmanship as outlined in the Olympic Charter and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) guidelines, which focus on respect and fair play.
The controversy surrounding handshake protocols had been reignited last month during the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, when an India–Pakistan match ended in a 3-3 draw. A fierce debate followed regarding the sportsmanship gesture, specifically the handshake between players after the game. In response, Hockey India Secretary Bhola Nath Singh addressed the matter, distancing the sport of hockey from the actions of cricketers.
Earlier in September, during the Asia Cup cricket tournament, Indian players had refused to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers. Similarly, during the ICC Women’s World Cup last month, Indian players also avoided shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the match.
In light of these developments, Singh told the Times of India, “We are not followers of cricket. What the cricketers do is up to them. We abide by the Olympic Charter and FIH’s directives. Hockey India has never issued any instructions for players to avoid shaking hands or high-fiving.”
Hockey India also emphasised that no such instruction had been given to players regarding avoiding handshakes with Pakistani players in future matches. Bhola Nath Singh further stated, “We will not issue any new directives regarding handshakes in matches against Pakistan. We will play, and we will try to win.”
In the Sultan of Johor Cup, the India–Pakistan match in the first round ended in a 3-3 draw. The tournament, which involved six teams, was won by Australia, with India finishing as runners-up.