Archive · 30 Jul 2026
MP Criticises Hockey India's Saffron Jersey Switch
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a member of India's Congress party, said that the new orange jerseys for the national hockey team are not just a sports change but a sign that some people want to change how India looks and remembers its past.
She said the old blue jerseys were part of India's history and that the new color could make people forget the values of non‑violence and truth.
Some former players, like Viren Rasquinha, also said the change was embarrassing.
The new jerseys were shown on July 27, 2024, before the 2026 world cup.
The debate has spread beyond sports into politics, with some people saying the change is a good fresh start and others saying it hurts India's heritage.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised Hockey India's switch from blue to saffron jerseys.
She linked the change to a broader attempt to alter India's identity and rewrite history.
Former captain Viren Rasquinha called the decision "embarrassing" and joined the criticism.
Hockey India unveiled the new saffron kits on July 27, 2024 ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
The controversy has sparked debate among opposition leaders and touched on education policy and the Congress party's legacy.
- Who
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress MP
- What
- Criticised Hockey India's decision to change national team jerseys from blue to saffron
- When
- July 2024
- Where
- India, Parliament
- Why
- Believes the change reflects an attempt to alter national identity and rewrite history
- Jersey Color Change
- Blue to Saffron
- Event
- 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup
- Critic
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
- Organization
- Hockey India
- Date Unveiled
- July 27, 2024
