Major Controversy! Indian Water Polo Team Faces Backlash for Wearing National Flag on Trunks at Asian Championship

Athletes are not Allowed to Display the National Flag on Garments below the Waist, such as Shorts or Swimwear, as per the Flag Code of India.

Indian swimmers have landed in a major controversy after wearing trunks featuring the national flag during the Asian Aquatics Championship in Ahmedabad. Several former athletes and spectators have condemned it as a violation of India’s Flag Code of 2002.

Authorities have called it inappropriate, and the Sports Ministry has initiated disciplinary measures to address the matter.

The Controversy

According to the latest report, India’s men’s water polo team sported the country’s national flag on their swimming trunks, which is the official competition gear, leading to allegations of disrespect to the tricolour. The matter drew serious attention from both the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), who have now sought an explanation from the Swimming Federation of India (SFI), the governing body responsible for the team’s attire. 

The Indian athletes had the tricolour printed on their swimming trunks, whereas the flag is only permitted to be displayed on swimming caps worn on the head as per international norms and Indian flag code regulations. 

First reported by spectators, the matter has stirred severe criticism on social media and in sporting circles. Being the host nation of the tournament, the act is seen as an embarrassment on the global stage.

What is the Flag Code for Athletes?

Athletes are not allowed to display the national flag on garments below the waist, such as shorts or swimwear, as per the Flag Code of India. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, further reinforces that the flag cannot be used on undergarments, cushions, napkins, or any other items of personal or household use.

While international aquatic competitions allow for small national symbols to be displayed on caps or uniforms, Indian law overturns such regulations when it comes to domestic representation.

SFI Responds

The SFI defended itself by citing World Aquatics (formerly FINA) regulations, which allow for the national flag and country code to be displayed on equipment like caps up to a size of 32 square centimetres.

Monal Chokshi, the SFI secretary general, said, “In our opinion, there is no controversy. Some media houses picked it up and think it’s some kind of controversy over there or a violation. All countries wear the flag on their competition wear. Every single team has been wearing this, and the Indian team has also worn it, and it is in line with the World Aquatics competition wear guidelines.”

However, officials from the Swimming Federation of India assured that corrective action would be taken immediately.

“We are taking this matter seriously. The team’s kit will be changed before the next match, and the national flag will only be displayed on the skull cap moving forward,” an SFI official said.

“While other countries do use their national flags on sports gear, we fully respect Indian sentiments and national protocol,” the official added.

Sports Ministry to Take Action

The Ministry of Sports has taken swift action by demanding a “full report from the SFI” and directing them “to rectify the issue without delay”.

A ministry source stated that “while the error appears to have been unintentional, any violation involving the respect of the national flag cannot be overlooked”.

The Ministry believed it was a “lapse in judgment rather than a deliberate act”. 

Former athletes argue that Indian law takes precedence, especially when it comes to national symbols. The SFI assured that the team's new uniforms will be ready before the next match, and such incidents will not be repeated in the future.