There is nothing more exciting than beating your arch-rival, as India did with a thrilling last-minute winner against Pakistan in the men's hockey semifinal of the Asian Games in Japan.
What made the match more memorable was the scenes at the end of the game. Indian and Pakistani players shook hands and hugged each other. It was a heartening sight because the match deserved such a moment.
India had stormed to a 3-0 lead in 23 minutes before Pakistan bounced back. The game was tied 3-3 by the 49th minute when Rana Waheed scored.
Just when it seemed like the game would end in a stalemate in regulation time, Abhishek found a gap and arrowed it past Ali Raza to win it for India.
Soon the hooter sounded, signalling the end of the match. Indian players celebrated and some of their Pakistani opponents sank to their knees.
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh was seen hugging former Pakistani captain Ammad Butt. It was a genuine display of sportsmanship. The two sets of players had also greeted each other before the match started, and after the national anthems were played.
The same day, men's volleyball players of India and Pakistan showed respect to each other after their quarterfinal tie. Pakistan won the match 3-0. Earlier in the Games, players of India and Pakistan shook hands after a women's table tennis team event.
The BCCI prohibits cricketers from shaking hands with Pakistanis, a practice that they have been following since the men's Asia Cup held last year.
