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India’s men’s water polo team has been embroiled in controversy during the ongoing Asian Aquatics Championship in Ahmedabad. Indian players displayed the national flag of India (tricolor) on their swimming trunks (official swimming dress) during the match.
There have been allegations of insulting the national flag regarding this. According to the rules, the flag should have been placed on the skull cap.
Ministry and IOA asked for report After the news came out, the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have shown seriousness on this and sought a report from the Swimming Federation of India (SFI). Officials said that the players should have put the tricolor not on the trunk, but on the skull cap (cap worn on the head).
Violation of Indian law This controversy is mainly related to the violation of the Flag Code of India 2002 and the ‘Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971’. Which enforces strict rules regarding respect and use of the national flag. According to these rules:
- It is prohibited to place the national flag on clothing worn below the waist.
- It is illegal to print or embroider the tricolor design on items such as undergarments, cushions, napkins, or handkerchiefs.
- Dropping the flag on the ground or immersing it in water is also considered a disrespectful act.
What does the IOC Charter say? According to the charter of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it is not mandatory for athletes or teams to display the national flag. It completely depends on the choice of the players and their country.
What does the World Aquatics Rules say? The SFI defended itself, saying that it acted in accordance with the rules of World Aquatics (formerly FINA). According to these rules, ‘In competition, the flag and code of the country can be used on the swim cap in a size up to 32 square centimeters.’
Swimming Federation said – from now on the tricolor will be shown only on the cap. The Swimming Federation of India has admitted the mistake and said that henceforth the tricolor will be placed only on the cap and not on the swimming trunks. We have reviewed the rules. Teams from other countries have also put their flags on their sports gear, but we understand the Indian sensibility.
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