Overview

• The Sultan of Johor Cup group match in Johor Bahru finished 3–3 after India recovered from 0–2 to lead 3–2 before Pakistan equalised in the 55th minute.
• Video and match coverage showed U21 players sharing high-fives before play and shaking hands after the final whistle.
• A day earlier, a Pakistan Hockey Federation official said juniors were told to avoid confrontations and to "ignore the gesture and move on" if handshakes were declined.
• The result leaves India unbeaten with both teams taking a point in Group B at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.
• The gestures contrasted with recent cricket no-handshake episodes at the Asia Cup and Women’s World Cup that led the PCB to protest to the ACC and ICC, underscoring how broader disputes continue to shape expectations.