Under-17 footballers of India and Pakistan show cricket how sport can be competitive, yet friendly

There was a pair of senior men's cricket matches between India and Pakistan in the UAE, filled with animosity. Across their two recent Asia Cup encounters, the opposing players denied each other customary handshakes and tried their best not to smile.

Then there was a SAFF U-17 Men's Football match between India and Pakistan played in Colombo on September 22 that was no less competitive, but had all the nice things one would hope to witness in sport, none more relevant than sportsmanship.

Rahan Ahmed scored a 73rd-minute winner as India edged Pakistan, 3-2, to maintain a perfect record in Group B. Both India and Pakistan had qualified before today's meeting, but still gave it their all because, as always, pride was at stake.

Ahead of kick-off, Denny Singh Wangkhem and Abdul Samad, captains of India and Pakistan respectively, shook hands and exchanged pennants, before posing for photographs with the officials. Shortly before the coin toss, both sets of players lined up for their national anthems and shook hands as is the custom.

There was no lack of warmth at full-time either. In fact, it was more graceful, as both sets of players greeted each other for a good game of football they played, some even hugged. Pakistan's head coach, Syed Nasir, even placed a hand on the head of Wangkhem as he walked past, which could be perceived as a gesture of giving a blessing, a custom familiar across the subcontinent.

Dallalmuon Gangte put India ahead in the 31st minute, but a penalty from Muhammad Abdullah shortly before half-time levelled the scores. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam gave India the lead once again after the hour, but Hamza Yasir poked home a rebound in the 70th minute to make it 2-2. Then striker Ahmed arrived at the right moment to turn in a rebound to make it 3-2 for India, coached by Bibiano Fernandes.

India will play Nepal, and Pakistan will have Bangladesh as their opponents for the semifinals on September 25. Six-time champions India and Pakistan could meet again in the final in Colombo on September 27.

Result: India 3 (Dallalmuon Gangte 31, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam 63, Rahan Ahmed 73) bt Pakistan 2 (Muhammad Abdullah 43 (p), Hamza Yasir 70)