The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has issued firm instructions to its junior team to stay composed and avoid any confrontation when they face arch-rivals India in the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.
The Pakistan junior team and staff have been conveyed through head coach Kamran Ashraf to avoid any confrontation with Indian players on the ground and just concentrate on their game during their Sultan of Johor Cup match in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on Tuesday.
According to the official, players have also been told to be “mentally prepared” for what could be a cold reception from their Indian counterparts.
The PHF has informed the players not to expect handshakes from the Indian team, given the political tension and the current atmosphere between the two countries.
Tensions Spill Over from Cricket to Hockey
The directive comes against the backdrop of strained sporting relations between India and Pakistan. Just last month, during the Cricket Asia Cup in Dubai, the Indian players pointedly avoided shaking hands with Pakistan’s team after all three matches between the two sides.
In another instance that added to the frost, the Indian team refused to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Federation President Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister and has been involved in the recent military tensions between the two nations.
The standoff, which saw diplomatic intervention from US President Donald Trump to ease hostilities, has further worsened relations between the neighbouring countries.
Traditionally Fiery Rivalry Gets a Diplomatic Edge
Matches between India and Pakistan have historically been emotionally charged, especially in hockey where fierce competition often leads to on-field scuffles. However, the PHF’s latest directive underscores its intent to keep the focus strictly on the game and avoid unnecessary controversy.
Sultan of Johor Cup: Pakistan’s Mixed Start
The prestigious Sultan of Johor Cup, hosted at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru from October 11 to 18, features six top international junior teams — Pakistan, Australia, England, India, Malaysia, and New Zealand. Pakistan began their campaign on a high with an emphatic 7-2 win over hosts Malaysia but stumbled in their second match, losing 5-1 to Great Britain.
With the high-voltage India clash next, the PHF’s message is clear — play hard, stay calm, and let the hockey do the talking.
