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Hockey India on Wednesday unveiled fresh threads for its men and women teams ahead of the next month’s world cup tournaments.
Hockey India has moved on from Blue to Orange. (Picture Credit: X/TheHockeyIndia)
The next time you see an Indian hockey team, men’s or women’s, take the field, be prepared for a surprise. In a major decision, Hockey India has moved away from its traditional blue colour and unveiled brand-new saffron jerseys for both teams ahead of next month’s World Cup competitions.
In a short clip on X (formerly Twitter), the governing body said the saffron colour “symbolises courage, sacrifice and victory. Inspired by the Indian national flag and the rising sun, it reflects new beginnings.”
The jersey also features a mandala that celebrates “India’s rich cultural heritage”.
The blue accents have been inspired by the Ashoka Chakra and “symbolises progress, peace and focus”. Meanwhile, the graphics on the chest are a “modern interpretation of the sudarshan chakra and symbolises “strength, unity and momentum.”
There is also tricolour piping along the shoulders, inspired by the national flag, which “reinforces national pride”.
The name India on the jersey is “written in stylised devanagari script, celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity.”
However, former India men’s hockey team captain Viren Rasquinha is not happy with the change and termed the decision “embarrassing”, while questioning the logic behind switching from blue to orange.
“I must say that @TheHockeyIndia 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,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
I must say that @TheHockeyIndia has done many good things for 🇮🇳 🏑. 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? https://t.co/apDnJkTld4— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) July 29, 2026
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.🇮🇳 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
— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) July 30, 2026
Hockey India, however, defended the decision, saying there is nothing wrong with choosing saffron as it is a “part of our tricolour”.
“There is nothing political about it. What’s wrong in saffron being the first jersey, saffron is part of our tricolour. Besides, change is always welcome,” a senior HI official told news agency PTI.
The official also argued that wearing a blue jersey on a blue hockey turf creates a high-visibility challenge for fans and broadcasters.
“It creates low contrast, where players blend into the pitch. Wearing blue jersey on a blue turf can make it difficult for viewers to track players,” he said.
The World Cup will run from August 15 to 30.
About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
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