The match between India and Pakistan at the Sultan of Johor Cup in in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, began on a heartwarming note on Tuesday. Despite all the tensions, the players from both the hockey teams were seen shaking hands and giving high-fives after the national anthems.
The match ended in a 3-3 draw and players from both the sides were seen showing mutual respect which is in stark contrast with what happened in the cricketing tournament – Asia Cup 2025.
Sultan of Johor Cup
— Maninderjit (Mike) OLY (@ManinderjitMike) October 14, 2025
Pak 3 Ind 3
Salute & Fair Results – Draw.
Brilliant entertaining high tempo match!
The handshakes….this is Hockey. True Gentleman
Hockey unites us all… pic.twitter.com/6UCLGOwPmK
Also Read: Indian Women’s Hockey team bags silver after defeat to China in Asia Cup 2025 final
During the Asia Cup 2025, India and Pakistan played against each other thrice and all the three matches were filled with controversy. India refused to shakes hands in the first match and this triggered Pakistan. Then in the second match Pakistan players made some very questionable gestures related to Operation Sindoor. In the third match, Mohsin Naqvi – the chairman of PCB ran away with India’s well deserved trophy.
Also Read: India Clinches Hockey Asia Cup 2025 With 4-1 Win Over South Korea, Qualifies For 2026 FIH World Cup
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In contrast, the atmosphere at the Sultan of Johor Cup was far more cordial. Ahead of the hockey fixture, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had reportedly instructed its players to avoid any on-field altercations and focus solely on the game – advice that appeared to work, with both teams showing professionalism and sportsmanship throughout the contest.
