New Delhi, 30 July (H.S.): Amid questions being raised over the new saffron-coloured jersey of the Indian hockey teams for the FIH Hockey World Cup, Hockey India on Thursday issued an official statement clarifying that the change in jersey colour was made after recommendations from players and support staff, along with detailed discussions. The governing body stated that the decision was based purely on technical requirements and not due to any other reason.
According to Hockey India, players and coaching staff felt that the traditional blue jersey often blended with the blue synthetic turf commonly used in international hockey. This created difficulties for players in identifying teammates on the field and maintaining better visual clarity during matches. Therefore, players and coaches suggested alternative options, including yellow and saffron colours.
The statement said that after considering all suggestions, the saffron colour was finalised. Apart from being technically suitable, the colour also represents one of the three colours of the Indian national flag and symbolises courage, sacrifice and national pride.
Hockey India clarified that changes in the colour of the national team jersey are not unprecedented. The team’s kit has been modified from time to time based on practical and technical requirements. For instance, during the 2014 FIH Hockey World Cup, the Indian team wore a yellow jersey, while in the 2018 FIH Hockey World Cup, the team played in a sky-blue jersey with a completely redesigned kit.
Reiterating its position, Hockey India said that the decision to introduce the current saffron jersey was taken after considering technical feedback from players and coaches as well as the symbolic significance of the colour associated with the national flag. The new kit is expected to provide players with better visibility on the field and contribute positively to the team’s performance.
Former India captain and Chief Executive Officer of Olympic Gold Quest Viren Rasquinha had earlier raised objections over the saffron colour. In a post on social media platform X, he wrote, “I must say Hockey India has done many good things, but this decision is disappointing. The identity and legacy of the Indian team have always been associated with the colour blue. I wore the blue jersey with pride for many years. Fans also want to see the Indian team in blue. What is the logic behind the orange (saffron) colour?”
It is worth noting that at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held next month in the Netherlands and Belgium, both the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams will step onto the field in saffron-coloured kits for the first time instead of their traditional blue jerseys. While Hockey India has described the change as a technical and practical decision, some former players from the sporting fraternity view it in the context of Indian hockey’s traditional identity. The jersey change has sparked a fresh debate in Indian hockey just ahead of the World Cup.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
