Asian Games: Handshakes not a problem in table tennis as Indian women thrash Pakistan

Handshakes were not an issue during the India-Pakistan women’s table tennis clash at the 2026 Asian Games as both stars displayed sportsmanship at the end of each match. It was India who produced a sensational performance as they blanked Pakistan 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

Suthirtha Mukherjee, Syndrela Das and Sreeja Akula secured victory for the women’s team, who opened their campaign by stunning Singapore 3-2. Suthirtha opened with a convincing 3-0 (11-3, 11-3, 11-4) win over Aleena Khan to give India a 1-0 lead. It was just after the match when the cameras caught the shaking hands of the Indian and Pakistani paddlers.

This trend then continued throughout the match as Syndrela and Sreeja also did the same to their opponents after defeating them.

Syndrela produced another commanding performance in the second game of the tie, defeating Kalsoom Khan in straight games 11-6, 11-7, 11-5. The win gave India a 2-0 advantage and put them within touching distance of the close of the match.

Sreeja Akula then stepped up in the third game against Fatima Khan and wrapped up the tie in emphatic fashion. Dropping just 13 points in three games, she won 11-4, 11-4, 11-5 to complete another 3-0 victory for an Indian team who will be hoping to continue their great run.

The Indian men’s team will also face Pakistan later in the day.

Since last year’s Pahalgama terror attack, India has maintained a strict no-handshake policy with Pakistan in cricket. Since then, Indian captains, players have not shaken hands with their counterparts before and after the match.

However, this was not the case in other sports. Recently during the Hockey World Cup, Indian players were seen booing their counterparts before the start of the match.

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Published on:

21 Sep 2026 08:05 IST