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Hockey Defies Cricket: India & Pakistan Juniors Shake Hands After 3-3 Draw Amid Political Snub

Shivansh Rana | 4 min read | 1 week ago | Oct 31, 2025 03:22 pm IST
Hockey Defies Cricket: India & Pakistan Juniors Shake Hands After 3-3 Draw Amid Political Snub

In a world where politics often spills onto the pitch, did you ever think you’d see a moment of pure, unscripted unity between India and Pakistan? It just happened, but not where you’d expect. Forget cricket for a second. The Indian junior hockey team just showed everyone what sportsmanship truly means after a nail-biting 3-3 draw with Pakistan at the Sultan of Johor Cup.

Key Takeaways

  • India and Pakistan’s junior hockey teams ended their Sultan of Johor Cup match in a 3-3 draw.
  • Unlike the cricket teams, the hockey players exchanged high-fives and handshakes, a gesture praised online.
  • Indian player Roshan Kujur said, “we didn’t see them as enemies… They’re players just like us.”
  • This act of sportsmanship comes after Indian cricket teams refused handshakes with Pakistan, citing political tensions post the Pahalgam terror attack.
  • Despite the goodwill, Pakistan later withdrew from the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup in India.

A Tale of Two Sports

Look, the tension between India and Pakistan is nothing new, and it’s been freezing over the sports world. Following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, things got even icier. India’s men’s cricket team, during the Asia Cup in August and September, pointedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The women’s team followed suit during the World Cup.

It was a deliberate stance, a reflection of a national policy against bilateral sporting contests. So, when the junior hockey teams faced off in mid-October, everyone was watching. Would they do the same? They did not.

‘They’re Players Just Like Us’

After a grueling match that ended in a 3-3 deadlock, something incredible happened. The young players from both sides met, smiled, and exchanged high-fives. No politics. No animosity. Just respect for the game. Why? Indian midfielder Roshan Kujur put it perfectly in an exclusive chat with TimesofIndia.com.

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“We didn’t see them as enemies or anything like that,” Kujur explained. “That’s why we shook hands. They’re players just like us.” It’s a simple statement, but it speaks volumes about the mindset of these young athletes.

Expert Analysis: The Pressure of the Jersey

Defender Sunil PB admitted the pressure is always immense. “Losing to Pakistan is not an option,” he said, echoing the sentiment of millions. Yet, even with that weight on their shoulders, they chose camaraderie over conflict. This wasn’t about ignoring the political reality but about honoring the spirit of the game on the field. The draw, he felt, was a good, hard-fought match.

Social Media Storm

You can bet the internet noticed. The gesture went viral, with fans from both countries praising the players for sending a powerful message of peace and mutual respect. It reignited a massive conversation online: what should a rivalry truly look like? Is it about animosity, or is it about pushing each other to be better? For a moment, hockey gave a clear answer.

An Uncertain Future

But here’s the twist. Despite this moment of unity, the larger political issues haven’t disappeared. On October 29, Pakistan officially pulled out of the upcoming FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup set to be held in India, citing logistical and security concerns. Oman was named as their replacement.

So, while the players on the field found common ground, the federations off the field still face major hurdles. For players like Roshan Kujur and Sunil PB, the focus now shifts to the Hockey India League (HIL), where they’ll continue to hone their skills. They gave us a glimpse of what’s possible, but what do you think comes next for Indo-Pak sporting ties?