Hockey India (HI) says it will not prevent its teams from shaking hands or exchanging high-fives with counterparts from Pakistan at future international tournaments or multi-sport events.
The clarification comes in the wake of a stir after players from the Indian junior men’s side made friendly gestures with Pakistani players during the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.
Many fans had drawn comparisons with the Indian cricket team’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan during the Asia Cup T20, a gesture made in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
HI secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh said that hockey will be guided by the principles of the FIH and the International Olympic Committee, focusing on the “spirit of the game” rather than mirroring decisions taken by other sports.
He said: “We are not governed by cricket. Whatever the cricketers did, , it was their choice.”
The announcement was made on the sidelines of HI’s celebrations marking its upcoming centenary this week at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.
