Handshake Snub Headlines IND-PAK Youth Clash As India Captain Turns Cold on Pakistani Counterpart: Watch

Handshake Snub Overshadows IND-PAK Youth Clash As India Captain Turns Cold on Pakistani Counterpart: Watch (Source: X)

Indian sportsmen snubbing handshake with Pakistan counterparts has become a norm. The trend started during the Asia Cup 2025 when the Indian cricket team refused a handshake with Pakistan players as a protest against the Pahalgam attack, and it was followed by the women’s team also avoiding a handshake with the Pakistan captain during the Women’s World Cup. The move drew mixed reactions, but India stood firm on the stance. The latest incident occurred during the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain when the Kabbaddi captain Ishant Rathee refused a handshake with the Pakistan skipper.

In the video that went viral on social media, Ishan shook hands with the officials, but made no such gesture to the Pakistan captain, who even extended his hand for greetings, but Ishant avoided eye contact with his counterpart.

India won the 3rd Asian Youth Games by a massive margin as they defeated Pakistan 81-26. The team had defeated Bangladesh (83-19) and Sri Lanka (89-16) in the previous game. Meanwhile, following the game, however, both teams exchanged customary handshakes.

How Pakistan Reacted To Handshake Snub?

When the incident happened during the Asia Cup, PCB created a ruckus and threatened to pull out of the event if match referee Andy Pycroft was not removed. However, their warning turned out to be bogus as they agreed to play the tournament after ICC paid no heed to their threats.

India Flying High

Meanwhile, this is the first time Kabaddi has been included in the Youth Asian Games. Seven teams are participating in the round robin format. India, as expected, top the table, staying undefeated, followed by Iran. The final matches of the tournament will be played on October 23.