Hockey Indias Saffron jersey gets more controversial as chief seeks clarification; technical reason or diversion tactic| Explainer
The national teams representing India dressed in blue jerseys for as long as fans can remember will now turn up in saffron at the upcoming World Cup.
PTC News Desk: As India gears up for the upcoming Hockey World Cup, the sports' body found itself in the eye of the storm over jersey just a fortnight before the prestigious tournament.
The national teams representing India dressed in blue jerseys for as long as fans can remember will now turn up in saffron at the upcoming World Cup. The sudden transition has drawn significant traction and fire from former players and supporters alike.
However, amid serious backlash over the colour change of the national team's jersy and subsequent speculated theories, there lies a more troubling story.
'Change merely technical'
The reason stated was merely technical. Hockey India stated that reason behind change in jersey colour was technical as its blue colour makes it difficult to spot on a blue turf. However what remains questionable is not the reason but the timing.
Presenting the new India jersey! ????????
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) July 27, 2026
Every stitch tells a story. Every pattern, every colour carries India's pride.
Our teams are ready to once again do the country proud at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.
????: Select 2 (SD HD) Khel & JioHotstar
????️: August… pic.twitter.com/8GvwbByapq
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey on Friday shot off two separate emails to senior office-bearers and Executive Board members, seeking an explanation over the decision to change the jersey colour.
In the first email, Tirkey wrote to Executive Board members that the issue was not about the colour itself but about the decision-making process.
“I wish to bring to your attention the recent change in the colour of the Indian national team’s jersey. This decision appears to have been taken and implemented without being placed before the Executive Board for discussion and without my prior knowledge.”
In a second email sent later to Hockey India executive director R K Srivastava, Tirkey instructed him to circulate a detailed note to all Executive Board members by 5 pm, July 31.
“the background and rationale for changing the traditional colour of the Indian National Team jersey”;
“the authority under which the decision was taken”;
“the process followed in arriving at the decision, including the officers, committees or other persons involved”;
“whether any consultation was undertaken with the President, the Executive Board, current players, coaches, former international players or other relevant stakeholders”;
and “the reasons why neither the President nor the Executive Board was informed or consulted prior to the public announcement.”
In the emails, Tirkey, a former India captain, said the decision had been implemented without being placed before the Executive Board or brought to his notice, and directed officials to provide a detailed account of how it was approved.
Meanwhile, the HI responded to the criticism saying that the decision was made in consultation with the payers, coaches and support staff, dismissing the allegations.
Jersey change diversion tactic ?
The latest controversy has highlighted growing differences within Hockey India's leadership and comes at a time when the federation is already under scrutiny over its functioning.
The issue has surfaced while an inquiry is underway into allegations involving Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh.
Former India captain and current selector Asunta Lakra has alleged that Singh threatened her after she raised concerns about the handling of a sexual harassment complaint against a coach.
Following the allegations, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports directed Hockey India to place Lakra's complaint before its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and conduct an independent investigation into the matter.