• Source:JND
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The Indian men's water polo team caused a massive controversy as the side sported the country’s national flag on their swimming trunks - their official tournament gear - in the Asian Championship during competition rounds.

As per a report in Dainik Jagran, both the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have voiced their concerns after the videos from the competition have been making the rounds on social media.

“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 told Dainik Jagran.

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

The Sports Ministry has summoned the SFI to correct the mistake and submit a report. An SFI official has acknowledged the mistake, stating that the correction on the gear will be done before the team's next match.

"It'll be done in matches ahead. The teams from other participating nations are wearing their national flags on their competition gear, but we do understand the Indian sensitivity," a swimming federation official told the Times of India.

SFI stated that the gear was as per World Aquatics’ rules, which permit having a country flag with placement on the suit.

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However, the controversy stemmed from a violation of the Flag Code of India 2002, set by the government for the prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Code unambiguously prohibits “using the flag as part of a costume, uniform, or accessory worn below the waist; embroidering or printing the flag’s design on items like undergarments, cushions, handkerchiefs, or napkins and to touch the ground or trail in water”.