{
  "id": 8964534,
  "title": "In table tennis, handshakes and smiles as India beat Pakistan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/in-table-tennis-handshakes-and-smiles-as-india-beat-pakistan",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T17:00:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/handshakes-smiles-india-beat-pakistan-table-tennis-asian-games-10888105/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the realm of table tennis, handshakes and smiles were exchanged as India triumphed over Pakistan in the Asian Games. The post-match rituals, though subtle compared to other racket sports, are consistent and signify mutual respect. The nod, tap, and handshake ritual, a tradition dating back to the game's inception, was adhered to, even amidst political tensions.\n\nBoth Indian teams, comprising women's players Sutirtha Mukherjee, Sreeja Akula, and Syndrela Das, and men's players Harmeet Desai and Payas Jain, faced their Pakistani counterparts, Aleena Khan, Fatima Khan, and Kalsoom Khan, in the Group F tie. The outcome of the matches was foreordained due to the vast disparity in skill levels, with India securing an unassailable 3-0 victory in both events.\n\nUpon each match's conclusion, the Indian players graciously shook hands with their Pakistani counterparts, alongside match officials Mari Koda and Sanae Kobayashi. Upon shaking hands with Sreeja and the umpires, Fatima Khan approached the Indian bench, exchanging polite smiles. The same cordiality was reflected in the men's tie, where mutual handshakes adorned the post-match proceedings.\n\nEven in moments of friendly banter, such as when Pakistan's Muhammad Khan botched a backhand flick, the spirit of camaraderie prevailed. Muhammad Khan, amused by his misfired shot, beamed at Harmeet Desai, who reciprocated the smile. Later, in the formalities post the tie, Muhammad Khan graciously patted Payas Jain's back.\n\nThe Indian women's team, inspired by Suryakumar Yadav's men's team, also chose not to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, an individual who also holds the position of Pakistan's interior minister. However, the spirit of sportsmanship remained alive, even in the hockey field, where players had already demonstrated high-fives after their World Cup encounter.\n\nIn squash, the Asian Doubles Championships 2026 final, Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar displayed a united front, sharing the podium with their Pakistani counterparts Nasir Iqbal and Noor Zaman. In kabaddi, while Indian youth team captain Ishant Rathee initially refused to shake hands with the Pakistan skipper at the toss, the teams eventually proceeded to a group photo on the mat, showcasing the enduring spirit of sportsmanship.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "India enjoy double victory over Pakistan in Asian Games table tennis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/india-enjoy-double-victory-over-pakistan-in-asian-games-table-tennis",
        "published": "2026-09-21T13:03:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "Asian Games Medal Tally: Where India stands after 4 more medals as China dominate",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/asian-games-medal-tally-where-india-stands-after-4-more-medals-as",
        "published": "2026-09-21T13:46:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}