Back to blue for India’s hockey players at the Asian Games
The Indian hockey team will return to their traditional blue jerseys for the Asian Games, relegating the controversial saffron kit to a secondary option. Additionally, a committee has been formed to investigate harassment allegations against Hockey India officials.
Why it matters
The decision reflects the intersection of sports, national identity, and internal governance, while the inquiry addresses serious allegations of workplace misconduct.
The Indian hockey teams’ experiment with a change in jersey colour has been partially rolled back and the players will now don the traditional blue at the upcoming Asian Games.
The saffron kit, which led to allegations of politicisation and internal tussle within Hockey India, will be the second option.
“The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had asked us our preferred choice and HI has given blue as the first choice. Saffron will be the second colour,” HI president Dilip Tirkey said.
Meanwhile, almost two months after the sports ministry asked the Indian Olympic Association to conduct an independent inquiry into former captain Asunta Lakra’s allegations of harassment and intimidation against Hockey India secretary Bholanath Singh, a four-member committee has been constituted for the same.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in