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Anandeshwar Pandey, Executive Director of the Handball Federation of India (HFI), spoke about the controversy surrounding the decision to play the match after India’s recent handball match versus Pakistan at the Asian Beach Championships in Muscat on Friday.

Given the political sensitivities involved, the match, which was played as part of the league phase of an ongoing international competition, generated controversy.

Pandey said that the federation had actively sought advice from the Indian government and that the tournament schedule was decided four months in advance. “To get clarification on whether we should play against Pakistan, we had written to the government, the Sports Ministry, and the Indian Olympic Association,” he told IANS. “But none of them responded to our message.”

The International Handball Federation (IHF), which allegedly threatened fines if India did not participate, put pressure on the HFI since there was no official directive in place. “We were forced to go ahead with the match because there were no clear instructions,” Pandey said. “We were even threatened with a ban by the IHF.”

Pandey stressed that the game was a league phase match and that the federation will follow any official government position moving ahead. He reiterated the HFI’s patriotic position by declaring, “We will not play against Pakistan again unless our Sports Ministry gives us clear instructions.” “The country comes first for us. We are prepared to accept any repercussions, including a ban, but we need prompt and appropriate direction from the authorities.”

The message emphasises how sports administrators are becoming more concerned about governing organisations’ tardiness in communicating on delicate geopolitical matters. Federations like the HFI are advocating for more organised regulations and government assistance to handle the growing complexity of international athletic competitions.

On Saturday, India said that Pakistan was increasing tensions along the Western border by advancing soldiers, implying an attempt to escalate fighting.

Reiterating their commitment to non-escalation, the Indian military said that any further provocation will be addressed with a swift, appropriate response.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, accompanied by Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, gave a press briefing on “Operation Sindoor”, stating, “The Pakistani military has been observed moving its troops into forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalate the situation.” The Indian military is still quite operationally prepared. Every hostile action has been successfully repelled and dealt with suitably.