CWG 2026: No ban on handshakes with Pakistan players, receiving gifts forbidden
Indian athletes competing in the 2026 Commonwealth Games have been instructed that while they may choose whether to shake hands with Pakistani counterparts, accepting gifts from them is strictly forbidden. The guidance comes as athletes from both nations are expected to share accommodation in Glasgow.
Why it matters
This policy reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, illustrating how international sporting events are often used as a stage for diplomatic and cultural posturing.
NEW DELHI: Indian athletes will be free to decide for themselves whether to shake hands or exchange pleasantries with their Pakistani counterparts during the CWG, while the acceptance of gifts or presents from the neighbouring country’s sportspersons has been ruled out, TOI has learnt.With the Indian and Pakistan contingents mostly staying in the same hotels under Glasgow’s ‘zone-based’ accommodation system instead of a traditional Athletes’ Village concept, interactions between athletes from the two countries are expected to be inevitable during the Games.It’s been learnt that the issue was discussed by Indian sports officials in Glasgow as part of internal deliberations with the contingent. While accepting gifts or presents from Pakistan athletes was expressly forbidden, the decision on handshakes and exchange of pleasantries has been left to the athletes’ individual judgement and, in some cases, the guidance of their respective national sports federations (NSFs).
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