Hockey India defends switch to saffron jersey, cites technical reason, national pride

Hockey India (HI) has defended the move to transform the jerseys of both the men’s and women’s national teams into saffron from traditional blue during next month’s World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, saying they were meant to “tell a story” and carry “India’s pride” and the decision was taken only after consulting players and support staff.

HI also said the change was in response to a technical necessity, and that saffron symbolised courage, sacrifice and victory. Former national hockey captain Viren Rasquinha questioned the change, calling it “embarrassing” in a post on X. “What is the logic of orange?” he asked.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also reacted, saying changing uniforms or rewriting history do not alter the nation's core values.

'Blue uniform merged with playing surface colour'

HI, which unveiled the new jersey on its social media pages, said in a statement after Rasquinha questioned the move, “It was observed that the blue playing uniform tended to blend/merge with the blue synthetic playing surface, which is now the standard colour of international hockey pitches. This visual similarity affected on-field clarity and visibility for the players.”

Also read: 'India can reclaim Olympic hockey gold, but next three years crucial' | Interview

“...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 also holds deep significance as one of the colours of our National Flag, symbolising courage, sacrifice and national pride,” it added.

The World Cup will run from August 15 to 30. India are clubbed together with England, Wales and arch-rival Pakistan in Pool D.

HI explains ideas that inspired the new jersey

The new jersey also has ‘Mandala’ inspired patterns which celebrate India's cultural heritage. HI said that the deep navy blue accents are inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, which symbolises progress, peace and focus.

It also said the chest graphic is a modern interpretation of the Sudarshan Chakra, symbolising "strength, unity, and momentum." There is also a Tricolour piping along the shoulders and sides, which "reinforces national pride." 'INDIA' is written on the front of the jersey in stylised 'Devanagari' script to "celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity." Besides saffron, the two Indian teams will also have white jerseys in their kits featuring the same new design.

HI also said the change in national teams’ jersey was not a new thing in Indian hockey and has happened in the past as well.

'Jersey colour change not unprecedented'

“It may also be noted that changes in jersey colour are not unprecedented in Indian hockey. From time to time, the national team's playing kit colour has been modified as per functional and other requirements,” its statement read.

Also read: After no handshakes in cricket, India and Pakistan hockey players exchange high fives

“For instance, during the 2014 FIH Hockey World Cup, the team's jersey colour was changed to yellow and during the 2018 FIH Hockey World Cup the colour was changed to sky blue with a completely different design,” HI said.

It said technical feedback from the coaches and players was also taken into account before implementing the change.

(With agency inputs)