Hockey Jersey Row: Prior to the Hockey World Cup 2026, a new debate has arisen regarding Hockey India's choice of orange jerseys for the Indian national hockey team, as raised by former Indian hockey captain and Olympian Viren Rasquinha. Rasquinha expressed concerns that the team's traditional identity has always been linked to the color blue.
His critique emerged as Hockey India revealed the new jerseys for the senior men's and women's teams in anticipation of the upcoming FIH Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups. The men's championship is set to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30, while the women's tournament will run from August 15 to 30.
Taking to social media, Virender expressed disappointment, stating, “Hockey India has made significant contributions to the sport, but this decision is regrettable. The Indian team's heritage and identity have long been associated with the blue jerseys. I have proudly worn the blue jersey for many years. Fans expect to see our team in blue. What is the reasoning behind the switch to orange?”
I must say that @TheHockeyIndia has done many good things for 🇮🇳 🏑. But this is embarrassing. The legacy & identity of the Indian team has always been BLUE. I wore the Blue jersey with pride for many years. Fans want to see our Indian team in blue. What is the logic of orange? https://t.co/apDnJkTld4
— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) July 29, 2026
In a similar vein, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also weighed in on the matter, highlighting the broader implications of such changes. She remarked, “Whether altering uniforms or attempting to reshape history through educational policies, the sentiments of our nation's youth are evident. The voices at Jantar Mantar reflect the pulse of the country.”
Regarding the Hockey World Cup 2026, India finds itself in Pool D alongside England, Wales, and traditional rivals Pakistan. Despite India's last World Cup victory dating back to 1975 when they defeated Pakistan 2-1 in the final, the team aims to clinch the gold medal this time following a ninth-place finish in the 2023 tournament in Bhubaneswar. With the confidence gained from consecutive Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup triumph, two Asian Champions Trophy victories, and an Asia Cup gold, India's men's team is poised for success. The Indian women's team will kick off their campaign against China on August 16, followed by matches against South Africa and England in Pool D.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Hockey India changed national team jerseys from blue to saffron, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, “Whether they change uniforms or try to rewrite history through education policy, no matter what they do… You have seen what the youth of our country… pic.twitter.com/EGCcFnxcxA
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2026
Looking ahead to the tournament, Indian women's hockey captain Salima Tete expressed optimism about the team's readiness, stating, “The entire squad is geared up for the challenges that lie ahead. Our training has been intensive, and we aim to carry that momentum into the practice matches and ultimately the World Cup. The initial match against China will be crucial, and we are determined to start the tournament on a positive note. As a united team, our commitment is to deliver our best performance and bring honor to the nation.”
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