Ahead of the Women’s World Cup in London, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) faced heat on Twitter after they made a major goof-up by placing the Indian flag without the Ashoka Chakra during a promotional event.
During an event held alongside the river Thames, captains of the 16 teams, including India’s Rani Rampal, were asked to stand alongside the national flags of their respective countries. The Indian flag, which was placed alongside Australia, was displayed without the Ashoka Chakra.
We’re getting ready with all the captains for the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup. Who’s excited? #HWC2018 _ pic.twitter.com/6NV7OicuGE
— Vitality UK (@Vitality_UK) July 18, 2018
Indian fans lost their cool and they criticised FIH for ‘hurting’ the sentiments of Indian hockey fans. Here are few reactions:
Dear @FIH_Hockey,
Is our captain standing next to other country’s flag?
If not, so I just want to tell you that, this is not my country’s flag. Requesting you and the organizers to display the Indian flag with Ashoka Chakra in center of white strip.@TheHockeyIndia @EnglandHockey pic.twitter.com/E94h9vH8aP— Anshul Chavhan (@anshul_chavhan) July 18, 2018
Our flag represents our nation. I know the same case could be wtih other country’s as well, but each section of Indian National flag have some symbolic meaning. Ashok Chakra represents the eternal wheel of law, it inspires us to work 24×7 for the progress of our nation.
— Anshul Chavhan (@anshul_chavhan) July 18, 2018
I saw during CT as well and raise my concern that time as well. And this time again, this not a way to show our national flag.
— Anshul Chavhan (@anshul_chavhan) July 19, 2018
@EnglandHockey @FIH_Hockey thats, not Indian flag. please take necessary actions for correcting your this huge mistake. @TheHockeyIndia, @Ra_THORe @IndiaSports https://t.co/SnZJlXV7sA
— Abhishek Shukla (@abhi2810) July 18, 2018
@FIH_Hockey and @EnglandHockey this is how original Indian flag looks like pic.twitter.com/93PcDhHXeL
— Anshul Chavhan (@anshul_chavhan) July 18, 2018
This is the sorry state of sports administration. @Ra_THORe…. Time to change /reshuffle the admin. In the recent past, began with English speaking skill and ending with national flag.
— S R Ramnarayan (@ramnarayan_sr) July 19, 2018
Meanwhile, Team India, placed in Pool B, will begin their campaign at the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup against hosts England on July 21. Besides England and India, Ireland and USA are the other two teams placed in Pool B.
India’s Schedule
July 21 — India vs England – 6:30 PM IST
July 26 — India vs Ireland – 6:30 PM IST
July 29 — India vs USA – 9:30 PM IST
The finals will be played on August 5.
