The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has formally apologised to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) after an incorrect version of Pakistan’s national flag was displayed ahead of Pakistan’s FIH Pro League match against India in London.
The incident took place at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre before the highly anticipated clash between the two traditional rivals. As both teams lined up for their national anthems, organisers displayed Pakistan’s flag without the white stripe, an important part of the national flag that represents the country’s religious minorities.
The mistake was quickly noticed by fans and viewers, leading to widespread criticism on social media. Many supporters expressed disappointment, stating that national symbols should be displayed accurately during international sporting events.
Despite the controversy, the match went ahead as scheduled. India secured a narrow 4-3 victory over Pakistan in an entertaining contest. However, discussions after the game largely focused on the flag error rather than the action on the field.
Following the match, FIH Pro League Director Hilary Atkinson sent an official letter to PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, offering a sincere apology on behalf of the federation. In the letter, the FIH accepted full responsibility for the operational mistake and acknowledged the significance of national flags as symbols of identity, pride, and representation.
The federation stated that it deeply regretted any offence caused to the Pakistan team, supporters, and the wider community. FIH also assured the PHF that internal procedures would be reviewed to prevent similar incidents from occurring in future international competitions.
The organisation further thanked Pakistan for its participation in the Pro League and reaffirmed its commitment to treating all participating nations with professionalism and respect. The federation also offered to discuss the matter further with PHF officials if required.
The incident came during a difficult campaign for Pakistan hockey, as the team’s 4-3 defeat against India extended its losing streak to 13 matches and confirmed relegation from the next edition of the FIH Pro League.
