Dhaka (Sports Desk): In contrast to recent handshake controversies in cricket between Pakistan and India, football players have demonstrated the true spirit of sportsmanship by setting a new example of mutual respect and friendship.
In the opening match of the SAFF Championship on November 5 in Dhaka, India defeated Pakistan 3-2 after an exciting contest. However, regardless of the match result, players from both teams shook hands with each other before and after the game and shared friendly interactions.
The friendly attitude displayed by players from both teams particularly attracted attention because the issue of refusing to shake hands has repeatedly made headlines during recent Pakistan-India cricket matches. Indian cricketers had also avoided shaking hands with Pakistani players during the 2025 Asia Cup.
Indian coach Naushad Moosa also demonstrated a contrasting attitude towards the situation in football. Before the match, he had said that he was even willing to hug Pakistani players if necessary.
Indian captain Nathan Rodriguez also described shaking hands as a normal practice, while Pakistan captain Alamgir Ghazi said that this was not cricket but football, which is why it is called the beautiful game.
It is worth mentioning that India fielded a team consisting mostly of young and reserve players in the SAFF Championship.