Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh has weighed in on the controversy surrounding India’s new saffron jersey for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, questioning the reason given for the colour change while urging players to stay focused on winning the country’s first World Cup medal in five decades.
With the FIH Hockey World Cup set to begin on August 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium, the debate over India’s decision to replace its traditional blue jersey with a saffron primary kit has intensified. Former India goalkeeper and two-time Olympic bronze medallist PR Sreejesh said he has no objection to the jersey colour itself but found the explanation that blue kits reduce visibility on blue synthetic turfs difficult to understand.
Speaking to PTI, Sreejesh pointed out that India had previously worn yellow and light blue jerseys during the 2014 and 2018 World Cups without triggering a similar controversy. He questioned why the issue had become contentious only now and asked whether the debate was centred on the saffron colour rather than the change itself.
The jersey decision has drawn criticism from several former Indian captains, including Viren Rasquinha, Dhanraj Pillay, Ajit Pal Singh, Vasudevan Baskaran and Pargat Singh. However, Sreejesh said the discussion should end if the players have approved the new design. According to him, the athletes are the ones who take the field, and their comfort and confidence should remain the priority.
While acknowledging that similar jersey and turf colours may marginally affect visibility, Sreejesh noted that blue synthetic hockey turfs have been in use since the 2012 London Olympics. Despite that, India has continued to wear blue kits in major international tournaments, including the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, without any major concerns over visibility.
Sreejesh also stressed that politics should remain separate from sport. He said outside opinions should not overshadow the players’ preparations if the squad is comfortable with the new jersey. At the same time, he suggested that if Hockey India intended to introduce a new primary kit, the transition should have happened much earlier so players could adapt to the change before the World Cup.
The former goalkeeper added that players naturally identify teammates through years of familiarity with the blue jersey. Introducing a new colour just before a major tournament, he said, could require an adjustment period.
Despite the off-field debate, Sreejesh expressed confidence that the Indian team would not allow the controversy to distract them. He said the squad has always focused on blocking out external noise and concentrating on its performances.
Looking ahead to the tournament, Sreejesh believes India has a strong opportunity to end its 50-year wait for a Hockey World Cup medal. He said finishing at the top of the group could provide a favourable route to the semi-finals and urged the players to enjoy the occasion, play fearless hockey and seize what he described as a golden opportunity to reach the podium.
