India-Pakistan Handshake At Asian Games 2026 As Women’s Table Tennis Team Breaks From Cricket’s No-Handshake Trend

The Indian women's table tennis team secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Pakistan in a Group F match at the Asian Games 2026 on Monday. This win marked India's third consecutive triumph, following earlier wins against Indonesia and Singapore, which placed the team atop the group and advanced them to the quarterfinals.

The handshake between players of the two nations after the matches garnered attention amidst the context of recent India-Pakistan cricket matches. Despite the customary sporting tradition of handshakes, cricket teams from India and Pakistan have refrained from shaking hands during several recent meetings. This trend has become more noticeable in cricket matches following increased tensions between the two countries in 2025, including women's cricket encounters.

A notable incident happened when India's Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates declined to accept the trophy from Pakistan's cricket chief, Mohsin Naqvi, during the Asia Cup before the Asian Games. This refusal was in direct contrast to the handshake tradition typically observed in such situations.

In the Asian Games 2026, India's Sutirtha Mukherjee delivered a strong opening performance, defeating Aleena Khan from Pakistan in just 10 minutes. Mukherjee, who previously won a bronze medal in women's doubles at the Hangzhou Asian Games, led India to an early 1-0 lead. Her teammate, 17-year-old Syndrela Das, further extended India's lead with a swift 11-6, 11-7, 11-5 victory over Kalsoom Khan.

Das, currently ranked 99th in ITTF women's singles rankings, continued her impressive form on the international stage, clinching her place on the senior Indian team for the Asian Games. Sreeja Akula wrapped up the Indian sweep with a decisive 11-4, 11-4, 11-5 win over Fatima Khan in just 11 minutes.