Indian national anthem 'disrespected' at South Asian Games

The Indian national anthem was allagedly "disrespected" at the 11th South Asian Games when organisers played it abruptly during a flag raising ceremony, leaving the touring delegation stunned.

The Indian national anthem was allagedly "disrespected" at the 11th South Asian Games when organisers played it abruptly during a flag raising ceremony, leaving the touring delegation stunned.

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During the brief ceremony yesterday at the badminton court, Indian players were left surprised after the national anthem was played abruptly and ended within few seconds in a complete breach of protocol.

"Flags of the six participating countries in badminton were raised together this was in complete breach of protocol. As per convention, a country's flag is raised and national anthem follows. After the flag raising ceremony, national anthems of all the countries were played one after another," said an Indian official present at the ceremony.

"It started abruptly and at first, I could not make out whether it was our national anthem. It ended in seconds and only then I realised it was India's national anthem."

When contacted, technical officials said they were not aware of the matter and would inquire.

"We will speak to the concerned person and check the CD containing the India national anthem. We will get it corrected to avert further embarrassment during a medal distribution ceremony," said an Indian official.