Bhubaneswar: In an unexpected turn of events, Hockey India (HI) president Dilip Tirkey has sought an explanation from senior office-bearers and Executive Board members over the change of national team’s jersey colour from blue to saffron.
Just a day earlier, Tirkey had told Times Now that the jersey colour was recommended by the players and support staff.
Tirkey was responding to widespread uproar over the saffron jersey unveiled by HI a few days ago for the upcoming FIH World Cup.
In a virtual U-turn that is bound to raise fresh questions, Tirkey has now claimed that he was not consulted in the decision to alter the jersey colour.
He clarified that he has no concern over the choice of colour, but the decision-making process.
“I wish to bring to your attention the recent change in the colour of the Indian national team’s jersey. This decision appears to have been taken and implemented without being placed before the Executive Board for discussion and without my prior knowledge,” Tirkey wrote in an email to Executive Board members.
“My concern is not with the choice of saffron itself. However, a decision of this significance, involving the identity and representation of our national team, should ideally have been discussed with the elected leadership and the Executive Board before implementation,” the former India captain expressed.
“The matter has since attracted considerable media attention and, unfortunately, political interpretation in certain quarters. With the World Cup approaching, I have publicly clarified that the change was purely a sporting decision so that the focus remains on the team and its preparations.”
Tirkey, who is from Odisha’s Sundargarh, further said that the government of Odisha, which sponsors all Indian teams, has sought an explanation from him.
“I have also been asked by the Government of Odisha to provide clarification regarding this matter. I therefore request the concerned Hockey India officials to provide me with a written clarification at the earliest, outlining the basis for the decision, the process followed, and the circumstances under which the change was approved and implemented. This will enable me to respond appropriately and accurately,” the 48-year-old Tirkey wrote.
The three-time Olympian with 412 international caps to his credit sent another email in which Tirkey posed five questions to officials, demanding details on the authority under which the decision was taken and the reasons why top board members were not informed before the public announcement.
On Thursday, Tirkey defended the saffron jersey, saying that Indian team’s colour had been changed earlier also.
“This time, the change was not made under anyone’s pressure, nor was it done at anyone’s behest. This is based strictly on the opinion and suggestions of our players and coaches. Technically, because the turf itself is blue, wearing a blue jersey affects visibility. To ensure better contrast and help players spot each other more clearly on the field, this colour was chosen,” Tirkey had said.