India-Pakistan Handshake Stirs Debate

The India-Pakistan rivalry is rarely just about what happens on the field. Even a simple gesture like a handshake can quickly become a talking point.

That was the case in Amstelveen, The Netherlands, on Wednesday, August 19, where players from both teams exchanged high-fives before the hockey World Cup clash and shook hands after the final whistle. The moment stood out because the Indian cricket team has recently moved.

What Happened

The question of handshakes has become a bigger talking point in cricket since Operation Sindoor. Hockey, however, has largely stayed away from that debate.

• But thankfully, in Amstelveen, the conversation stayed largely about hockey rather than another handshake controversy.

• India and Pakistan remain fierce rivals and the intensity was clear during the match.

• And that perhaps sums up the difference between hockey and cricket at the moment.

Key Details

Hockey India made its position clear in November last year, saying it would follow the Olympic Charter and the guidelines of the International Hockey Federation.

• 'Good to see India and Pakistan players greeting and shaking hands after the World Cup match,' another user wrote, adding that rivalries are part of sport and the two teams should focus on taking.

• But there were plenty of people who saw nothing wrong with the gesture.

• Another wrote, 'Civilians lost, martyrs remembered, yet friendly handshakes on the field continue.

Why It Matters

Since when we have started shaking hands with Pakistan?' one user asked.

• On the field, India made their dominance count, beating Pakistan 5-3 with Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scoring twice each.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Rediff as more details emerge