Antwerp: Indian captain Sardar Singh on Friday said there are no hard feelings between the subcontinental rivals as Pakistan's team management regretted the behaviour of its players during the onfield Champions Trophy victory celebrations that almost snapped the reciprocal hockey relations between the two countries.
"There are no hard feelings after Pakistan's team realised their mistake and apologised for it," said Sardar Singh, who was also leading the Indian team in the Champions Trophy at Bhubaneswar in December, where Pakistan's players made some obscene gestures during the victory celebrations, leading to suspensions of two players.
The preliminary league match at the KHC Dragons Stadium on Friday, which was the first encounter between the two traditional rivals since that incident, ended in a 2-2 draw after a fine exhibition of flowing hockey.
"Both teams played this match in the true spirit of sport. This camaraderie should continue," said Sardar.
Shahbaz praised the Indian captain for his role in promoting unity among the sub-continental hockey fraternity.
"I know Sardar is a very positive person. He has also publicly supported the return of Pakistan players to the Hockey India League," said the Pakistan coach.
Pakistan players briefly appeared in the first edition of the cash-rich Hockey India League, but safety concerns forced them to leave for home midway after some public protests.
The Pakistan players have not featured in the Hockey India League since then.
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