India’s Tricolour below the waist? Water polo team stirs outrage in Ahmedabad

New Delhi: A fresh controversy has surfaced at the Asian Aquatics Championships in Ahmedabad after the Indian men’s water polo team was spotted wearing swimming trunks bearing the national flag, triggering outrage and allegations of disrespect to the Tricolour.

The players entered the competition displaying the flag in a rectangular design on their trunks, which, according to officials, should ideally have appeared on their skull caps instead.

Following public criticism, the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have asked the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) — the event’s host — to submit an explanation.

When contacted, an SFI official said the flag’s placement would be corrected in upcoming matches. “Teams from other countries also carry their national flags on gear, but we understand India’s sensitivity about its flag,” the official said.

The SFI cited World Aquatics (formerly FINA) rules that permit the use of country flags and codes on competition suits.

However, the move appears to conflict with the Flag Code of India, 2002, governed by the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which explicitly bans using the national flag “as part of any costume or accessory worn below the waist.”

Legal experts and sports fans have called the act a violation of protocol, reigniting debate over national pride versus uniform design norms.

According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) charter, athletes don't need to display their national flag on competition gear, leaving the decision to individual nations and federations.