Archive · 30 Jul 2026
India’s Hockey Jersey Controversy Ahead of World Cups
India’s national hockey team is getting new orange uniforms for the big world tournaments in August.
A former star, Viren Rasquinha, said the team should stay blue because that’s what fans love.
The new jerseys were shown on July 27.
The men’s team will play in Belgium and the Netherlands, while the women’s team starts against China.
The team’s captain, Salima Tete, said everyone is ready and wants to win.
The change has sparked a debate about tradition versus new style.
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha criticized Hockey India for switching the national jersey to orange, insisting the team’s identity has always been blue.
Hockey India unveiled new orange jerseys for the senior men’s and women’s teams on July 27 ahead of the 2023 FIH World Cups.
The men’s World Cup will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14‑30, while the women’s tournament runs from August 15‑30.
India is placed in Pool D with England, Wales, and Pakistan for the men’s event; the women’s squad will start against China.
Salima Tete, captain of the women’s team, expressed confidence in the squad’s preparation and desire to perform well.
- Who
- Viren Rasquinha, Salima Tete, Hockey India
- What
- Criticism of orange jerseys and announcement of new kits for the 2023 FIH World Cups
- When
- July 27 unveiling; World Cups Aug 14-30 (men) and Aug 15-30 (women)
- Where
- Belgium and Netherlands for men; China, South Africa, England for women
- Why
- Rasquinha argues the team’s legacy is blue; Hockey India seeks a fresh look
- New Jersey Color
- Orange
- Team Identity Color
- Blue
- Men's World Cup Dates
- Aug 14-30, 2023
- Women's World Cup Dates
- Aug 15-30, 2023
- Men's Pool D Teams
- India, England, Wales, Pakistan
- Women's Opening Opponent
- China