'We didn't see them as enemies': India hockey midfielder on shaking hands with Pakistan players at Sultan of Johor Cup

India-Pakistan players engage in customary handshake

In recent months, handshakes — typically a straightforward sportsmanship gesture — before or after a game has become a topic of political discussion.

Many expected athletes from other disciplines to follow Indian cricket's lead, which was witnessed in the recent edition of the Asia Cup. Suryakumar Yadav-led unit refused to shake hands with Pakistan players in the wake of rising geopolitical tension between the two nations that escalated after the heinous Pahalgam attack.

The women's team followed suit during the Women's World Cup. But when the Indian men's junior hockey team played Pakistan in the Sultan of Johor Cup in mid-October, things took an unexpected turn. Players from both teams engaged in pre and post match rituals after an intensely fought tie, which ended in a 3-3 draw.

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"It wasn't like we were not told to shake hands. As players, we all play with hard work and dedication, and we didn't see them as enemies or anything like that. That's why we shook hands. They're players just like us," Roshan Kujur, a midfielder from India's silver medal winning squad, told TimesofIndia.com.

"With Pakistan, it's always about winning. We have to beat them. But in the end, it turned out to be a draw. Still, it was a good match," added Sunil PB, a defender in the side.

Explaining the pressure associated with a match between India and Pakistan, Kujur added: "First of all, losing to Pakistan is not an option. There's always pressure in an India-Pakistan game; the name itself brings pressure. But we tried to handle it well and focus on giving our best."

Following a close 1-2 loss to Australia, India finished second in the tournament. This was an improvement over their bronze from the previous edition.