Archive · 30 Jul 2026
India Switches Hockey Jerseys to Saffron for World Cup
India’s national hockey teams are changing their jerseys from blue to saffron for the 2026 World Cup.
The change was suggested by players and coaches because the blue kit blends in with the blue playing surface, making it hard to see teammates.
Hockey India chose saffron because it is a flag colour.
Some former players and politicians think the blue jersey is part of the team’s identity and question the change.
Hockey India says the new colour can be changed again if players feel uncomfortable during or after the tournament.
Indian men's and women's hockey teams will wear saffron jerseys at the 2026 FIH World Cup instead of traditional blue.
The change was recommended by players, coaches and support staff due to visibility issues on blue turf.
Hockey India said the new colour was chosen from options saffron and yellow, with saffron selected for flag symbolism.
Former captain Viren Rasquinha and political figures criticized the move, questioning the team’s identity.
Hockey India stated the jersey could be altered again if players feel uncomfortable during or after the tournament.
- Who
- India men's and women's national hockey teams, Hockey India, Dilip Kumar Tirkey
- What
- Change of jersey colour from blue to saffron for the 2026 FIH World Cup
- When
- Announced July 30, 2026; World Cup starts August 14-15, 2026
- Where
- Netherlands and Belgium
- Why
- Technical visibility issues on blue turf and symbolic link to the Indian flag
- Event
- 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup
- Teams
- India men's and women's national teams
- New Jersey Color
- Saffron (orange)
- Reason
- Visibility on blue turf
- Date Announced
- July 30, 2026
Sources
Players, coaches suggest change over visibility issues: Dilip Tirkey on the saffron jersey decision
Change in jersey colour suggested by players and support staff due to visibility issues: Dilip Tirkey
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey breaks silence on team's jersey colour change from blue to saffron
'Saffron Holds Deep Significance': Hockey India Defends Jersey Switch Amid Controversy
