A heated debate has surfaced at the ongoing Asian Aquatics Championship in Ahmedabad after members of India’s men’s water polo team were spotted wearing swimming trunks that displayed the Indian national flag. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among former athletes and spectators, who view it as a serious breach of the Flag Code of India, 2002.
Reports from Dainik Jagran indicate that the controversy quickly reached the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as well as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Both authorities have asked the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) to explain how the violation occurred. As India hosts the championship, many have called the episode an avoidable embarrassment on an international platform.
The Flag Code of India clearly states that the national flag must not be displayed on any garment worn below the waist, including shorts, trousers, or swimwear. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 also prohibits using the tricolour on undergarments, napkins, cushions, or other household items. Although global aquatic events allow athletes to feature small national emblems on caps or jerseys, Indian law overrides these international norms when it comes to representing the country.
In this case, members of the Indian water polo team had the tricolour printed directly on their swimming trunks instead of restricting its use to the headgear, as prescribed by both Indian regulations and international standards. The issue was first reported by onlookers and quickly gained traction online, drawing sharp criticism from the sports community and patriotic groups alike.
Officials from the Swimming Federation of India have acknowledged the oversight and promised to resolve it without delay. “We are taking this matter seriously. The players’ kits will be modified before the next match, and the flag will only appear on swimming caps as per the rules,” an SFI spokesperson told Dainik Jagran. The spokesperson further stated, “While many countries display their flags on sportswear, we respect the national protocol and sentiments of the people of India.”
The SFI maintained that its decision followed World Aquatics (formerly FINA) guidelines, which permit a national flag or country code on athletic gear up to a fixed size. However, legal experts and former athletes have pointed out that when Indian teams compete under the national banner, domestic laws and the Flag Code take precedence over any international sporting regulations.
Responding swiftly, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has demanded a comprehensive report from the SFI and instructed that immediate corrective steps be taken. A senior ministry official stated that although the violation appears unintentional, matters involving the respect of the national flag must be treated with utmost seriousness. The official added that the incident seemed to stem from a lapse in judgment rather than malice but emphasized that the dignity of the national emblem is non-negotiable.
The SFI has since confirmed that new uniforms are being prepared for the team and that all future kits will strictly adhere to the national flag code. The Federation assured that such an incident will not occur again as it works closely with the Sports Ministry to maintain the highest standards of national representation.
