'Rafael down again': Pakistan men's hockey team captain Ammad Butt mocks India after beating France; post goes viral

NEW DELHI: Pakistan men’s hockey team made headlines after a gripping victory over France in the FIH Nations Cup semifinal, but it was captain Ammad Butt’s Instagram post that truly ignited the internet. Following their 3-2 shootout win in Kuala Lumpur, Butt shared a controversial story reading “Rafael down again” -- a remark many saw as a dig at India, alluding to recent military tensions involving French-made Rafale jets.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Though the post was swiftly deleted, screenshots had already gone viral, stirring a wave of debate. Many online users, especially from India and Pakistan, interpreted the comment as blending sports triumph with political and military history, further amplifying tensions between the two nations. On the field, the match was a thriller. France led 2-1 by the third quarter, but Pakistan mounted a spirited comeback. Waheed Ashraf equalised and then scored again, only for France to level in the dying seconds. The shootout saw Pakistan's goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman shine, saving three attempts, while Afraz, Hanan Shahid, and Waheed scored to secure the win. The green shirts now head to the final against New Zealand, aiming for their first major title in years. But Butt’s provocative post shifted some focus away from their gritty performance to a heated social media discourse. Meanwhile, India’s men’s team continues to falter in the FIH Pro League. They suffered a 3-6 loss to Belgium, marking their seventh consecutive defeat. Despite flashes of promise -- goals from Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Amit Rohidas -- India's defensive lapses cost them dearly. Their World Cup qualification hopes now hang by a thread after a disappointing European campaign. With Pakistan climbing and India struggling, the emotional undertone in South Asian hockey has rarely felt more intense, both on and off the field.