Archive · 31 Jul 2026
India’s Orange Jersey: Team Strategy Amid World Cup Controversy
India’s hockey team is wearing orange shirts for the big World Cup game.
They chose orange because the old blue shirts look like the blue playing surface, making it hard to see the ball.
The team captain, Hardik Singh, said it’s a smart move to help players see better.
Some former players and politicians don’t like the new color, but the team and the hockey board think it’s a good idea.
The World Cup starts on August 14 in the Netherlands and Belgium, and India hopes to win again after many years.
India switched to orange jerseys for the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup to avoid color clash with blue Astroturf.
Vice‑captain Hardik Singh defended the change as a tactical move to improve on‑field visibility.
The decision followed player and coaching staff feedback and technical consultations by Hockey India.
Former captain Viren Rasquinha and some politicians criticized the new color.
The World Cup starts on 14‑15 August in the Netherlands and Belgium, with India aiming to end a 51‑year title drought.
- Who
- Indian national hockey team, vice‑captain Hardik Singh, Hockey India
- What
- Launch of orange jerseys for the World Cup to improve visibility
- When
- Announced before the 14‑15 August 2024 tournament
- Where
- Netherlands and Belgium
- Why
- To prevent the blue kit from blending with the blue Astroturf and enhance on‑field clarity
- Event
- FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2024
- Start Date
- 14 August 2024
- Location
- Netherlands and Belgium
- New Jersey Color
- Orange (Saffron)
- Reason
- Avoid color clash with blue Astroturf
