India’s U-18 kabadditeam clinched a major triumph against Pakistan, registering 81-26 success at third Asian Youth Games. After hammering Bangladesh (83-19) and Sri Lanka (89-16), India were expected to carry the winning momentum. Under captain Ishant Rathee, India performed exceptionally and guided his side to a 81-26 win. Besides performances, the match also hit the headlines for Ishant declining customary handshake with his Pakistan counterpart during the toss. The Pakistan skipper was seen extending his hand towards Rathee but the latter didn't react to the former’s gesture.
However, following the match, both sides’ players shook hands with one another. The kabaddi game in Bahrain on October 20 continued India’s trend of silent protest through
no-handshake gestures. Earlier, on October 5, India Women also beat Pakistan Women in Women’s World Cup 2025 match in Colombo and Harmanpreet Kaur and her girls also refused to shake hands with the Women in Green.
Team India started the silent protest against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025
The silent protest in the sport was started byIndian men's cricket team against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the three matches played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Team India didn’t follow the customary gesture during the toss and following the games.
After the Pahalgam terror attack allegedly sponsored by Pakistan, India took action against their neighbour through Operation Sindoor in May. Since then, the relations between both nations have worsened and it has affected sporting ties as well. However, last week, India’s junior hockey team didn’t follow the trend set by cricket teams and shook hands with Pakistan junior players prior to their Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 clash in Malaysia.
