Avoid confrontations, concentrate on match: PHF’s advice to junior squad

Ahead of their crucial clash against India in the Sultan of Johor Cup, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has advised its junior men’s hockey team to stay focused on the game and avoid any on-field confrontations. The directive comes amid rising tensions following recent incidents in other sports between the two countries.

The PHF issued instructions to players to be mentally prepared for any unfriendly gestures from the Indian side, including the possibility of the Indian players not shaking hands before or after the match. “Players have been told to ignore any such gestures and move on. The emphasis is on playing their game, avoiding emotional tussles, and maintaining discipline on the field,” a senior PHF official said.

The caution follows the fallout from ‘Operation Sindoor,’ where the Indian cricket team did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the Asia Cup, including the final. The incident sparked protests from Pakistan, who lodged complaints with both the Asian Cricket Council and the ICC. A similar atmosphere is anticipated in the upcoming hockey encounter, the official added.

Pakistan entered the tournament with mixed results, opening with a commanding 7-1 win over hosts Malaysia before suffering a 0-2 loss to Great Britain. The team has now shifted focus entirely to the high-profile clash against India.

The PHF emphasized that players should concentrate on their own performance, rather than getting drawn into rivalries off the field. “Our message to the team is simple: play your game, stay composed, and don’t get distracted by any provocations,” the official said.

The junior men’s teams of India and Pakistan will face off in Johor Bahru on Tuesday, with both sides keen to make a mark in the prestigious tournament.