Hockey India issues clarification amid backlash over jersey colour change to saffron
On July 27, Hockey India announced through a social media video that both teams would wear saffron jerseys instead of their traditional blue kits at next month's World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.
PTC News Desk: Hockey India on Thursday issued clarification over why it changed the jersey colour of the Indian men's and women's hockey teams ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
On July 27, Hockey India announced through a social media video that both teams would wear saffron jerseys instead of their traditional blue kits at next month's World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.
"We wish to inform you that the decision to change the uniform colour was based on recommendations from, and detailed consultations with, the support staff and players. The primary consideration was technical. It was observed that 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," Hockey India said in a statement.
The decision sparked criticism on social media, with many fans questioning the move. Former India men's hockey captain Viren Rasquinha also sought an explanation from Hockey India, and his post quickly went viral, adding to the controversy.
On Thursday, Rasquinha said his comments were being unnecessarily politicised and clarified his position amid the growing debate over the jersey colour change.
"I'm seeing many unnecessary political comments on this. I don't want to get into any of that. My simple & humble point is on pride, identity & legacy. India is to hockey what Argentina is to Football. Will we ever see Argentina wearing Orange and White stripes as their 1st jersey?" he wrote on X.
I’m seeing many unnecessary political comments on this. I don’t want to get into any of that. My simple & humble point is on pride, identity & legacy.
— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) July 30, 2026
???????? is to ???? what Argentina is to Football. Will we ever see Argentina wearing Orange and White stripes as their 1st jersey? https://t.co/lAnu2gOR7y
The governing body added that suggestions were sought regarding potential alternative colours. Ultimately, saffron was selected as the base colour because it features on the country's national flag.
"In light of the above, the coaches and players suggested alternative colours, such as yellow or saffron. After careful consideration, saffron was finalised. Apart from addressing the technical requirement, saffron holds deep significance as one of the colours of our National Flag, symbolising courage, sacrifice, and national pride.
"It may also be noted that changes to jersey colours are not unprecedented in Indian hockey. From time to time, the national team's playing kit has been modified to meet functional and other requirements. For instance, during the 2014 FIH Hockey World Cup, the team's jersey was changed to yellow, and during the 2018 FIH Hockey World Cup, it was changed to sky blue with a completely different design," the statement added.
"The present change to saffron was implemented after considering both the technical feedback received from the coaches and players and the symbolic value associated with the colour being part of our National Flag," the statement concluded.