Bhola Nath Singh, HI secretary general, confirmed the decision to not bar Indian players from exchanged handshakes or high-fives with Pakistani players.
New Delhi: Hockey India has confirmed that its players will not be restricted from shaking hands or exchanging pleasantries with their Pakistani counterparts during future matches. The decision underscores the federation’s commitment to upholding the Olympic spirit and international sporting values, even amid strained relations between the two nations.
Bhola Nath Singh, secretary general of Hockey India, said the organisation will continue to follow the principles laid out by the Olympic Charter and the International Hockey Federation (FIH). “We are not governed by cricket. What the cricketers choose to do is their decision. We follow the Olympic Charter and FIH guidelines,” he said, adding that no instructions have ever been issued to hockey players to avoid contact or gestures of sportsmanship with opponents.
The clarification follows recent instances during the Sultan of Johor Cup, where players from India and Pakistan were seen exchanging high-fives after matches. Hockey India has decided to extend the same approach across all categories, including junior and senior teams, both men’s and women’s.
This stance contrasts with the Indian cricket teams’ decisions at recent tournaments — the men’s side at the Asia Cup and the women’s team at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 — where players refrained from handshakes with Pakistan due to political tensions.
Singh emphasised that the focus for Indian hockey remains on performance and fair play. “There are no directions to avoid handshakes. We play with respect and aim to win. That’s the spirit of our game,” he said.
The announcement coincided with the unveiling of preparations for Indian hockey’s centenary celebrations, set to take place at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. The milestone event will feature a 30-minute exhibition match between the Sports Minister’s XI and Hockey India’s mixed XI, comprising both men and women players, to highlight teamwork, gender equality, and inclusivity within the sport.
