• Source:JND
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Sultan of Johor Cup: India and Pakistan's hockey match at the Sultan of Johor Cup began on a poignant note, as after the national anthems, the players from both nations came together, exchanging warm high-fives.

In the wake of 'Operation Sindoor', the Indian cricket team did not shake hands with Pakistani players during their recently-concluded Asia Cup matches, including final, which sparked a row with Pakistan lodging a protest with the Asian Cricket Council as well as ICC.

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The Asia Cup had witnessed a rare chill in India-Pakistan cricket relations, while in stark contrast, the Sultan of Johor Cup offered a refreshing rarity, as the young hockey players from both nations chose to acknowledge each other.

In the build-up to the India vs Pakistan hockey match, a senior official of PHF said that the players had been told to be mentally prepared for a no-handshakes policy from the Indian team.

"The players have been told that if the Indian players don't shake hands before or after the match just ignore the gesture and move on. They have also been told to avoid any emotional tussles or signs during the game," he told news agency PTI.

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Pakistan lost their second match in the tournament to Great Britain before starting their campaign with a thumping 7-1 win over hosts Malaysia.

Pakistan didn't send its team to India for the men's Asia Cup in August in Rajgir, Bihar, with Bangladesh replacing them. The official said that they had told the players to just focus on their matches.

(With PTI Inputs)