New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) — The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) has responded to the controversy surrounding the display of the Indian national flag on the men’s water polo team’s swimming trunks during the Asian Aquatics Championship in Ahmedabad, clarifying that the design complies with World Aquatics regulations.
The issue arose after reports suggested that featuring the tricolour on the athletes’ competition wear violated the Flag Code of India, 2002, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which prohibits using the national flag as part of a costume or uniform.
Addressing the matter, SFI Secretary General Monal Chokshi told IANS, “In our opinion, there is no controversy. Some media outlets have portrayed it as a violation, but that is not the case. All countries wear their national flags on competition attire. Every single team in the championship has done so, and India’s team followed the same practice, which aligns with World Aquatics competition wear guidelines.”
Chokshi further explained that both the swim caps and trunks carry national emblems or flags in accordance with international sporting standards.
Despite the clarification, the Sports Ministry has directed the SFI to rectify the issue and submit a detailed report. Ministry officials noted that while the incident appeared inadvertent rather than deliberate, the importance of respecting the national flag requires the matter to be formally addressed.
According to Section 2(5) of the Flag Code, “The Flag shall not be used as a portion of costume or uniform of any description nor shall it be embroidered or printed upon cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, or any dress material.”
The SFI, however, maintains that the team’s attire was designed in compliance with World Aquatics rules, which permit national flags on competition gear, and that the practice is consistent with global sporting conventions.
