The final score of 25-18 marked Pakistan’s decisive 3-0 victory over India in volleyball. As Amit Balwan Singh reflected on the loss, he received support from Pakistan’s middle blocker Musaweer Khan, who tousled his hair, while Murad Khan offered consolation and Abu Bakar Siddique gave him a reassuring pat. “The Indian players are like my brothers,” Siddique remarked.
This match concluded a day that showcased contrasting outcomes for the India-Pakistan rivalry in two different sports. Earlier, Pakistan claimed a 3-0 win in volleyball, but later in the evening, India triumphed over Pakistan 4-3 in hockey during a semifinal match that highlighted the enduring competitive spirit between the nations, with players exchanging high-fives prior to the game and captains greeting one another at the outset.
The two teams are scheduled to face each other again on Saturday for the gold medal in cricket at the Asian Games, where the customary handshake has been absent in their recent encounters, presenting a different narrative of their rivalry.
In light of the cricket teams’ choice to forgo handshakes, outside-hitter Amit expressed, “People perceive India-Pakistan through a different lens. However, athletes must focus on delivering their best performance. Although relations between the two countries have been strained historically, an athlete needs to set aside those issues and concentrate on the game.”
The volleyball court exemplified his point. Before the quarterfinal match, players exchanged pins and greeted one another warmly. Once the match commenced, however, the friendly atmosphere transformed into fierce competition, with Pakistan showcasing superior attacking strategies that consistently outmaneuvered India’s defense. Pakistan secured the first set 25-19, overcame a 16-13 deficit to win the second set 25-23, and surged ahead in the third set to clinch the match with a 25-18 score.
The intensity of the match was palpable, as Pakistan celebrated nearly every point, particularly as India struggled in the final set. Yet, the atmosphere shifted instantly after the match concluded. “We maintained a relaxed demeanor throughout,” Siddique stated, following Pakistan’s third consecutive victory over India at the Asian Games.
At just 19 years old, Siddique is among the younger members of the Pakistani squad. Staying in the same accommodation as the Indian team has allowed him to learn from players he previously regarded merely as rivals. “We are residing at the same hotel, and as a junior, I absorb a lot by observing their behavior—what they eat, their routines, and how they prepare. It’s quite enjoyable to share space with more experienced players. We all dine together at the mess,” he shared.
Siddique discussed the Indian players with a sense of camaraderie, describing them as if they were teammates rather than competitors. “Mashallah, all Indian players are skilled. I’ve seen Chirag (Yadav, an outside-hitter) frequently, and Muthuswamy (Appavu, a setter) is also impressive. He was exceptional at the CAVA Nations League last year when India won. I watched him and thought, ‘What is he doing?’”
Players are acutely aware of the significance of an India-Pakistan matchup beyond the sport itself. Abu Bakar commented that the excitement surrounding their games is largely a byproduct of the rivalry that has developed over the years. “Indeed, there is considerable hype when India and Pakistan compete. However, this is largely due to the animosity that has been cultivated around this rivalry. Yet, I assure you, our teams share a strong bond and often engage in friendly conversations,” he noted.
Familiarity and mutual respect have also grown because players frequently encounter one another in club competitions. Indian and Pakistani volleyball athletes often participate in leagues across Central Asia. Competing on neutral ground has fostered a better understanding among them. “I know Amit from when we played together two years ago in Kazakhstan,” said Khan, who comes from Pakistan’s volleyball-centric district of Bannu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “What occurs outside of sports does not affect our relationship during play.”
Amit, who has teamed up with Pakistani players in clubs in Iran, echoed this sentiment. “While this is a significant match, if we view it solely through the lens of competition, it can create additional pressure. We perform better when our minds are clear. Outside of the court, we interact amicably. Sometimes, we even end up playing for the same clubs abroad, like in Iran,” he remarked.
A few hours later, the tide turned on the hockey field as India initially surged to a 3-0 lead, only for Pakistan to rally and equalize at 3-3. With less than a minute left, forward Abhishek Nain’s shot deflected off Sufiyan Khan’s stick, sealing a thrilling 4-3 victory for India and advancing them to Saturday’s final against Malaysia.
As the match concluded, players, exhausted and emotional, shook hands before departing the field. The camaraderie observed among hockey and volleyball players was mirrored earlier in the Games, as table tennis and squash athletes from both nations warmly greeted one another.
Despite the differing outcomes of the day, the warmth and mutual respect between the athletes remained evident.
Mihir Vasavda has built an impressive 18-year career covering significant sporting events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the London 2012, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, along with the Asian Games in 2014 and 2022, Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2018, and the Hockey World Cups in 2018 and 2023, as well as the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup.
