&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Sports Ministry slams SFI over inappropriate display of Indian flag at Asian Aquatics Championship")
The Indian Ministry for Youth and Sports Affairs has taken serious action against the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) after the nation’s flag was in appropriately displayed on the swimming gear at the Asian Aquatics Championship. The continental swimming event currently being held in India’s Ahmedabad saw the backlash triggered after athletes were spotted wearing swimming trunks with the Indian flag. The gear was deemed inappropriate by the ministry and the Olympic Association of India (IOA) and has been directed to undergo changes for the remainder of the tournament.
Ministry directs for change in gear
“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.
“While other countries do use their national flags on sports gear, we fully respect Indian sentiments and national protocol,” the official added.
As per the Flag Code of India, displaying the national flag on garments worn below the waist — such as shorts or swimwear — is strictly prohibited. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, further reinforces that the flag cannot be used on undergarments, cushions, napkins, or any other items of personal or household use.
ALSO READ | From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history
Trending Stories
)
At least 3 killed in mass shooting at Idaho restaurant, shocking video of gunman open firing with AR-style rifle surfaces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
)
US offers $15mn reward to dismantle alleged IRGC drone funding network
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Tom Holland-Zendaya to Blake Lively-Ryan Reynolds: Actors who met on sets and fell in love and married
)
Ancient DNA reveals mix of Tibetan and North Indian ancestry
)
60,000 migrants from Morocco flood Spain's Ceuta, EU calls influx unacceptable, Trump warns US
)
Delhi Consumer Court fines Indian Railways Rs 25,000 for making RAC passengers share one blanket
)
German anatomist 'Dr Death's' family to grant his creepy last wish
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter pilots wear blue flight suits compared to US pilots
)
Hrithik Roshan reacts to 'sorry Hrithik' trend, Kangana Ranaut slams him, mentions Saba Azad: 'You are in a committed relationship'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How the S-400 turns the sky into a no-fly zone
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
India-China reopen Nathu La route, reviving historic Silk Route trade corridor
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
August 2025 movie release calendar: Toxic, Batwara 1947, Awarapan 2 and all big-ticket films hitting theatres
)
‘Satanic’ chainsaw-wielding rescue bot leaves internet divided: ‘Those eyes are horrifying’
)
Kim Kardashian shares sweet moment with boyfriend Lewis Hamilton during summer vacation
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Did Araghchi agree to open Hormuz to stop Trump’s planned US strikes on Iran? What we know
)
Ariana Grande's Petal video fuels debate as fans voice concern over her appearance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
)
Trump, Putin kissing in Amsterdam? Pride parade’s ‘couple’ goes viral | WATCH
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
)
‘US is locked and loaded’: Trump calls off Iran attack but sets THESE conditions
)
Nick Jonas' July photo dump featuring Priyanka Chopra and Malti Marie leaves fans gushing over family bond
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Lift accident? Maintenance, builders & makers are ALL liable now, rules Supreme Court: 3 major regulations | WION Decodes
Despite the controversy, the SFI has defended its actions for the use of the national flag on the swimming trunk. It has claimed World Aquatics (formerly FINA) regulations, which allow for the national flag and country code to be displayed on equipment like caps up to a size of 32 square centimetres.
The Ministry believed it was a lapse in judgment rather than a deliberate act. However, there can be no compromise when it comes to the dignity of the national emblem. The ministry has now assured that there will be no repeat of the situation and India will participate with a changed gear for the remainder of the tournament.
