New Delhi: In the FIH World Cup to be held in Netherlands and Belgium between 15th to 30th August next month, the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams will take the field in new saffron colour jerseys instead of their traditional blue kit. This new change has sparked a new debate from the sports world to the political circles. After former Indian captain Viren Rasquinha raised questions on this, the rhetoric on the political front has also intensified. During the monsoon session of the Parliament, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, while targeting the central government and the association, said that whether the government changes the sports kit or tries to rewrite history, the youth of the country understands everything.
Hockey India’s clarification
As the issue escalated, Hockey India issued a statement clarifying the technical and practical reasons behind the jersey change. According to the board, this decision was not made suddenly, but was made after discussions with the head coach, support staff, and players.
Hockey India explained that the use of blue synthetic astroturf (pitches) has now become standard in international hockey. When players wore blue uniforms and played on blue turf, the colors of the jerseys and the field would blend in. This affected visibility during matches, and players faced practical difficulties in passing and seeing each other.
#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
National flag and symbol of courage
The team management suggested yellow or saffron to address technical issues. Subsequently, saffron was finally chosen. According to Hockey India, this color not only fits the sporting context but also symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and national pride, being part of our national flag.
Team India’s jersey at the Hockey World Cup. pic.twitter.com/l2Rj8mVLau
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 30, 2026
The kit colours have been changed before.
The sports association clarified that the Indian hockey team’s kit color change is not a unique occurrence. Previously, the Indian team played in yellow jerseys at the 2014 FIH World Cup, while a sky blue kit was designed for the team during the 2018 World Cup. This change should be viewed solely as a technical necessity and a mark of respect for the national flag.