Patnaik Criticises Hockey India's Saffron Jersey Change

Naveen Patnaik, a former chief minister of the Indian state of Odisha, said he was upset that the Indian hockey team changed its jersey from blue to saffron.

He thinks the change was forced by the BJP party in Odisha and that it makes the sport political.

Hockey India says saffron means courage and new beginnings.

Patnaik compares the blue jersey to famous sports colors like Argentina’s stripes.

The new jerseys will be worn at the World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Patnaik says the blue jersey is part of India’s pride.

Hockey India says the new color tells a story of India’s pride.

The debate shows how sports and politics can mix.

The change will affect both men’s and women’s teams.