The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has apologized after a blunder in which Pakistan’s flag was incorrectly displayed during the national anthem ceremony ahead of the FIH Hockey Pro League match against India in London.

The incident took place at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre when the two teams lined up for their national anthems before the start of the high-profile fixture.

As part of the pre-match ceremony, the flags of the participating teams were displayed in front of the players.

However, the Pakistani flag displayed on the field was shown in green only, while the distinctive white strip was missing. The white strip on Pakistan’s national flag represents minorities in the country.

The mistake drew widespread criticism on social media and overshadowed the match, which India won 4-3.

Soon after the match, the FIH issued a media release and apologized unreservedly for the error.

“Following the incorrect display of Pakistan’s flag during the FIH Hockey Pro League match today in London, England, FIH would like to apologise unreservedly for this error,” the FIH said.

“Hockey’s world governing body understands that a team’s flag is an important symbol of identity, pride, and representation and deeply regrets any offense this may have caused to the Pakistani team, supporters, people, and National Federation,” it added.

The FIH said it accepted full responsibility for the operational mistake and would review its processes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The FIH has sent an official apology to the Pakistan Hockey Federation as well,” it added.

In a separate letter to Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, FIH Pro League Director Hilary Atkinson also apologized for the error and expressed regret over the incident.

“I would like to sincerely apologize for the incorrect display of your team’s flag during the FIH Hockey Pro League match this afternoon in London, England,” Atkinson wrote.

Atkinson also asked the PHF president to accept FIH’s apology and appreciated Pakistan’s participation in the ongoing Pro League.

Pakistan’s 4-3 defeat against India extended the team’s losing streak to 13 matches. The result also relegated Pakistan from the next edition of the FIH Pro League.

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