London (Sports Desk): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has issued a formal and unconditional apology to the Pakistan Hockey Federation over the incorrect display of Pakistan’s national flag during the Hockey Pro League.
The incident occurred during the national anthem ceremony before the Pro League match between Pakistan and India in London, where the white portion of Pakistan’s flag was not correctly represented.
In a letter addressed to Pakistan Hockey Federation President Muhammaduddin Ahmed Wani, FIH Pro League Director Hilary Atkinson expressed regret over the mistake.
The letter stated that a national flag represents the identity and dignity of any team, and this error caused hurt to the feelings of the Pakistan team, its fans, and the Pakistan Hockey Federation, for which the organization deeply apologizes.
She accepted full responsibility for the incident, describing it as an administrative error, and assured that all administrative and operational procedures will be reviewed to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The FIH further stated that such negligence regarding any team’s national identity and dignity will not be repeated, and maintaining respect and professionalism for all teams will remain its top priority.