The father of a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack has expressed his sentiments to NDTV regarding India's gesture of refusing to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan's Interior Minister. This comes after India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.

The terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists in the Baisaran valley. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack prompted strong reactions, with India shutting its border with Pakistan and suspending a special visa program. World leaders, including the US President and the French President, condemned the attacks.

In the aftermath of the attack, India conducted Operation Sindoor. Recently, a man was arrested in Kulgam for providing logistical support to the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. The arrested individual, identified as Muhammad Yousuf Katari, allegedly worked as an overground worker for the terror outfit behind the attack. According to officials, Katari may have arranged shelter, transport, and local reconnaissance for the attackers.

Sanjay Dwivedi, the father of Shubham Dwivedi, who was killed in the Pahalgam attack, has been vocal about his grief and demands. He recounted the chilling details of the attack, where terrorists inquired about the victims' religion before shooting his son. Dwivedi's wife was spared with the message to "tell Modi" about the incident. Dwivedi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking compensation and "martyr status" for the families of the victims. He also expressed his opposition to an India-Pakistan Asia Cup match, stating that "blood and water cannot...".

Following India's Asia Cup victory, the decision to not accept the trophy from Pakistan's Interior Minister is seen by some as a strong message to Pakistan in light of the Pahalgam attack.