Hockey India has defended its decision to introduce a saffron-coloured jersey for the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, saying the change was made primarily to improve visibility on the field.
The new kit, unveiled before the tournament in the Netherlands and Belgium, has sparked widespread debate after replacing the team’s long-associated blue jersey.
The controversy intensified after former India captain and Olympian Viren Rasquinha criticised the move, saying the blue jersey has always represented the identity and legacy of Indian hockey. He said players and supporters have long associated the national team with the blue colours and questioned the reasoning behind switching to saffron.
Responding to the criticism, Hockey India clarified that the redesign was based on technical considerations rather than symbolism. According to the governing body, the blue jersey often blended with the blue synthetic turf commonly used at international hockey venues, making it difficult for players to distinguish teammates quickly during matches. The federation added that the decision followed detailed consultations with players and support staff.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey also defended the new design, noting that India has previously experimented with different jersey colours at major tournaments. He pointed out that the national team wore yellow kits during the 2014 Hockey World Cup and sky-blue jerseys in the 2018 edition, indicating that changes in playing kits are not unprecedented.
As the discussion gained momentum online, Rasquinha clarified that his remarks were not politically motivated. In a post on social media platform X, he stressed that his concerns were solely about preserving the team’s sporting identity and tradition rather than making any political statement.
Despite these clarifications, the jersey has continued to generate debate because of its saffron base and the promotional campaign surrounding its launch. The unveiling video featured nationalist themes, including Devanagari script, Sudarshan Chakra imagery and the slogan “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” leading to broader discussions on social media about the symbolism of the new kit.
A senior Hockey India official, quoted by PTI, dismissed suggestions of any political intent behind the change. The official said saffron is one of the colours of the Indian national flag and argued that introducing a different primary jersey should be viewed as a welcome change rather than a departure from tradition.
The new jersey will make its competitive debut when India begins its campaign at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, where both the men’s and women’s teams will aim to challenge for top honours. Whether the saffron kit becomes a lasting part of India’s hockey identity is likely to remain a topic of discussion among players and fans alike.
