India vs Pakistan: The Handshake Dilemma at the Asian Games Final

As India prepares to clash with Pakistan in the Asian Games final, the longstanding question of whether players will shake hands takes center stage. Following a decisive victory over Sri Lanka, the Indian team faces not only their rivals on the field but also the complexities of sportsmanship off it. With a history of avoiding handshakes in recent encounters, the decision remains uncertain as the final approaches. This article delves into the implications of this handshake dilemma, exploring past instances and the broader context of sportsmanship in international competitions. Will the Indian team maintain their no-handshake policy, or will they break tradition? Read on to find out more.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 1, 2026, 15:36 IST

The Anticipation of the Final

As India prepares to face off against their long-standing rivals Pakistan in the Asian Games final on Saturday, the question of whether players will exchange handshakes looms large. This matchup is not just about the cricket played on the field but also the off-field dynamics that accompany it.

India's impressive 124-run victory over Sri Lanka in the semifinals has set the stage for this highly anticipated clash, which is expected to spark extensive discussions regarding the handshake protocol between the two teams.

A History of No Handshakes

In recent encounters, Indian players have opted not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the Asia Cup and ICC events, a stance taken to express solidarity with the Indian armed forces following Operation Sindoor last year.

This no-handshake policy is likely to persist in Asian Cricket Council and International Cricket Council events, but it remains uncertain if it will apply to this continental event organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

The Rules of Engagement

While the OCA and International Olympic Committee (IOC) do not mandate handshakes, such gestures are typically viewed as a hallmark of sportsmanship. A notable instance occurred during the 2016 Olympics when Egyptian judoka Islam El Shehaby declined to shake hands with Israeli athlete Or Sasson, leading to a reprimand from the IOC for violating the principles of fair play.

Similarly, Ukrainian athletes have refrained from handshakes with Russian and Belarusian competitors due to ongoing conflicts.

Awaiting the Decision

It remains to be seen whether the Indian cricket team management will maintain their current stance or opt for a handshake with the Pakistani players post-match. Interestingly, Indian athletes in other sports have not faced similar issues, as evidenced by handshakes exchanged in table tennis and squash competitions at the ongoing Asian Games.

Regardless of the handshake decision, both Indian and Pakistani players will share the podium, similar to the women's team that recently won gold, despite not competing against Pakistan in the tournament.