India disowns Karthikeyan

TestaRoasta · Aug 21, 2005

Did anyone else hear Bob Varsha during the Istanbul qualifying say that the country of India is trying to ban Narain Karthikeyan from wearing the flag of India on his helmet saying that it is a "disgrace" to the country to have him as F1's first Indian?! OUCH!!!

Mr Payne · Aug 21, 2005

TestaRoasta said:

Did anyone else hear Bob Varsha during the Istanbul qualifying say that the country of India is trying to ban Narain Karthikeyan from wearing the flag of India on his helmet saying that it is a "disgrace" to the country to have him as F1's first Indian?! OUCH!!!
Click to expand...

I thought it was the Ghandi foundation.

DGS · Aug 21, 2005

From http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/7242_1254578,00180009.htm

Spirits flag as sports stars face tricolour ban

AFP
New Delhi, February 23, 2005

When India's cricketers clash with arch-rivals Pakistan at home next month they will not be allowed to wear their patriotism on their sleeves -- or gear.

A government decree last week prohibited cricketers and other sports stars from displaying the tricolour anywhere on their kit.

Sachin Tendulkar's helmet will not have the tricolour embossed in front, neither will captain Sourav Ganguly be allowed to wear his trademark batting gloves painted in the orange, white and green colours of the Indian flag.

The home ministry cited the Flag Code of India which says the tricolour should not be used on costumes or embroidered on cushions, handkerchiefs and dress material.

The decree has left all, including Sports Minister Sunil Dutt, the cricketers and other sportspeople, nonplussed.

"I personally feel the cricketers should use the tricolour," said Dutt. "The national flag acts as a morale-booster.

"But I have to follow orders. It is the home ministry which takes decisions with regard to issues involving use of national flag."

Tendulkar and Ganguly said they will follow any instructions from the government, but team-mates and other Indian sportsmen could not hide their displeasure.

"It's their viewpoint, but I take great pride in playing with the national flag on the helmet," said cricketer Yuvraj Singh. "It's a different feeling altogether."

Shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, an army officer who won independent India's first Olympic silver medal at the Athens Games last year, found the government's decision "strange."

"It's a different high when I wear the India flag on my chest," said Rathore.

"And it is an honour. You would feel out of place when at some event your rivals will be standing in their national colours while you are blank.

"The decision is strange but we can't help it."

India's first Formula One driver, Narain Karthikeyan, whose specially designed helmet sports the tricolour, was equally bemused.

"If that is what the government wants, it's their loss," said Karthikeyan, who makes his F1 debut at Albert Park in Melbourne on March 6.

"We as sportsmen are only doing the country proud by performing well.

"I have the tricolour on my helmet, but I can probably sell that space to sponsors and make a lot of money.

"I love India and I am proud to be an Indian and that's what I want to portray. But if I can't carry the tricolour on my helmet, it is the government's loss."

Former Indian cricket captain Bishan Bedi, however, jumped to the government's defence.

"The national flag is most important and should be duly respected," said Bedi. "You can't put the helmet with the India flag alongside your shoes.

"I don't see it as a motivation tool, national pride or patriotism. It's all in the heart."

The decree is seen as a move by the government to hit back at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which takes pride in its autonomous nature.

In recent Supreme Court hearings to decide if the BCCI came under the purview of the government, the board's lawyer said the players play for Team BCCI and not Team India.
Click to expand...

TestaRoasta · Aug 21, 2005

See I only heard Varsha say that sort of under his breath, thanks for clarification.

DGS · Aug 21, 2005

The story as MrPayne described was on the auto racing forums. Varsha must have seen that one. The conventional press hasn't quite gotten the hang of Google searches, yet, I guess.

Dane · Aug 21, 2005

It's complete b.s. if true. I'm all about the scuderia but will be buying a Scott Speed hat if he's actually on the starting grid.

Dane

Conversations

Alerts

India disowns Karthikeyan

TestaRoasta Formula Junior

Mr Payne F1 Rookie

DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ
Rossa Subscribed

TestaRoasta Formula Junior

DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ
Rossa Subscribed

Dane Formula 3
Owner

Share This Page

India disowns Karthikeyan

TestaRoasta Formula Junior

Mr Payne F1 Rookie

DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ Rossa Subscribed

TestaRoasta Formula Junior

DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ Rossa Subscribed

Dane Formula 3 Owner

Share This Page

DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ
Rossa Subscribed

DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ
Rossa Subscribed

Dane Formula 3
Owner