Commonwealth Games 2026: Handshakes permitted between India & Pakistan; receiving gifts forbidden – Report
Both India and Pakistan are competing in the Commonwealth Games
In a surprising departure from established protocols, Indian athletes have been given the freedom to choose whether or not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026.
According to a Times of India report, India’s athletes will have the flexibility to choose their interactions with Pakistani competitors in Glasgow. However, they have been explicitly banned from accepting gifts from the cross-border athletes.
India earlier planned to send a 126-member contingent to the Glasgow Games but then it was reduced due to several doping violations. Meanwhile, Pakistan has sent a 36-member contingent.
Due to the ongoing tournament adopting Glasgow’s zone-based accommodation system instead of a traditional Athletes’ Village, players from both nations have been housed in the same hotels. For example, Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem, competing in the men’s javelin throw, are staying in the same hotel in Zone 3.
Since avoiding interactions outside competition would have been almost impossible, the Indian sports officials reportedly discussed the matter internally.
The authorities have decided not to issue any formal directives regarding handshakes or greetings. Each athlete will decide individually whether to exchange pleasantries, shake hands, or give high-fives. However, accepting gifts or presents from Pakistani athletes has been strictly prohibited.
Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2026: Full list of Pakistan contingent & sport-wise entries
NSFs, athletes to decide handshakes
The handshake and high-five protocols will be decided by the athletes themselves, with guidance from their respective National Sports Federations (NSFs). According to the TOI report, different NSFs have taken different approaches regarding this.
Officials from the lawn bowls team have reportedly allowed their athletes to shake hands or give high-fives with the Pakistani players. A few other NSFs have also reportedly issued similar instructions.
The handshake issue has long been a contentious one whenever India and Pakistan compete in the same tournament. Both countries have suspended bilateral sporting ties due to ongoing tensions.
Where and when will Commonwealth Games 2026 take place?
The Commonwealth Games 2026 will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
Are Indian athletes allowed to shake hands with Pakistani athletes at Commonwealth Games 2026?
Yes. Indian athletes have been given the freedom to choose whether to shake hands, exchange greetings, or do high‑fives with Pakistani counterparts.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.