Archive · 30 Jul 2026
India Hockey Switches to Saffron Jerseys Amid Backlash
India’s hockey teams usually wear blue jerseys.
Hockey India decided to change them to saffron for the upcoming World Cups because blue blends with the blue playing surface, making it hard to see the ball.
Some former players think blue is part of the team’s history and feel embarrassed by the change.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi said the new color is political and not what the youth want.
Hockey India says they consulted players and staff and chose saffron because it is a flag color that shows pride.
The decision has caused a lot of debate and criticism from fans and former players.
Hockey India changed the national teams’ jerseys from blue to saffron for the 2024 World Cups.
The change was justified by technical reasons: blue jerseys blend with blue turf, reducing visibility.
Former players, including Viren Rasquinha and Vasudevan Baskaran, criticized the move as embarrassing and a loss of legacy.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra opposed the change, linking it to political symbolism and youth sentiment.
Hockey India said the decision followed consultations with players and staff, and saffron was chosen for its flag significance.
- Who
- Hockey India, former players Viren Rasquinha and Vasudevan Baskaran, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
- What
- Change of national team jerseys from blue to saffron
- When
- Announced before the 2024 FIH World Cups starting August 15
- Where
- India national men's and women's hockey teams
- Why
- Technical need for better visibility on blue turf and symbolic connection to the national flag
- Jersey Color Change
- Blue to Saffron
- Event
- FIH Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups
- Reason
- Technical visibility and flag symbolism
- Key Stakeholders
- Hockey India, former players, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
- Controversy
- Public backlash over legacy and political symbolism
