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The Indian hockey team’s new jersey has become the centre of attention ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup after Hockey India introduced a saffron-coloured kit for both the men’s and women’s squads. For generations, India’s hockey teams have been recognised by their blue jerseys, making the latest redesign one of the biggest visual changes in the team’s recent history.
The announcement quickly sparked discussion among fans and former players, with many debating the decision to move away from the traditional blue that has long been associated with Indian sport.
Hockey India statement on why uniform color was changed from blue to saffron.
— jonathan selvaraj (@jon_selvaraj) July 30, 2026
Says 'blue uniform blended with the blue synthetic playing surface, affecting on-field clarity for players'
Saffron picked for contrast and 'significance as one of the colours of our National Flag.' pic.twitter.com/V70Z1O4i2j
Viren Rasquinha questions the decision
Former India captain and Olympian Viren Rasquinha openly criticised the change, saying the team’s identity has always been linked to its blue jersey. Sharing his views publicly, he questioned the reasoning behind adopting saffron as the primary colour.
“I must say that Hockey India has done many good things for Indian hockey. But this is embarrassing. The legacy & identity of the Indian team has always been BLUE. I wore the Blue jersey with pride for many years. Fans want to see our Indian team in blue. What is the logic of orange?” Rasquinha had asked.
As the debate gathered momentum online, Rasquinha later clarified that his remarks were not intended to carry any political message. “I’m seeing many unnecessary political comments on this. I don’t want to get into any of that. My simple and humble point is on pride, identity & legacy.”
Hockey India cites visibility concerns behind the redesign
Responding to the criticism, Hockey India said the decision was made after considering practical requirements during international competition. According to the governing body, the traditional blue kit often blended with the blue synthetic surfaces used for modern hockey tournaments, affecting player visibility during matches.
Hockey India Clarifies Uniform Colour Shift Ahead of FIH World Cup
— Surendra Barik (@barik_surendra) July 30, 2026
"It's a technical choice, not political."
Team India’s New Look for the World Cup!@TheHockeyIndia President Dilip Tirkey has clarified the reason behind the national team switching from their traditional blue… pic.twitter.com/fHSFmQR1De
In its statement, Hockey India said, “The primary consideration was technical… the blue playing uniform tended to blend with the blue synthetic playing surface, which is now the standard colour for international hockey pitches. This visual similarity affected on-field clarity and visibility for the players.”
The federation also stated that the final design was prepared after holding “detailed consultations with the support staff and players.”
Dilip Tirkey points to earlier jersey changes
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey also defended the move while speaking to ANI. He referred to previous World Cups where India had worn jerseys other than the traditional blue, including yellow kits in 2014 and sky-blue designs during the 2018 edition.
Also Read | Viren Rasquinha questions Hockey India’s jersey colour change
Meanwhile, a senior official dismissed suggestions that the colour choice had a political motive. “There is nothing political about it. What’s wrong in saffron being the first jersey? Saffron is part of our tricolor. Besides, change is always welcome,” he was quoted saying.
Jersey change sparks wider discussion before World Cup
The new jersey continues to generate discussion ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. Although the design still includes blue detailing and Tricolour accents, the switch from India’s long-standing blue base has become the main talking point since its launch.
A similar debate had emerged during the 2019 ODI Cricket World Cup when the Indian men’s cricket team wore an orange away jersey. In the years that followed, orange elements and Tricolour accents became increasingly common in India’s sporting kits.
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With the World Cup approaching, the focus will soon shift from the jersey controversy to India’s performances on the field, where both the men’s and women’s teams will aim for strong campaigns.
FAQs
Why did Hockey India change the team’s jersey colour?
Hockey India said the switch to saffron was made to improve player visibility on blue synthetic hockey pitches.
Why did Viren Rasquinha oppose the new hockey jersey?
Rasquinha said India’s hockey identity has always been linked to the blue jersey and questioned the logic behind the colour change
