‘Back to blue’: Hockey India reverses saffron jersey decision for Asiad after uproar
Hockey India has decided to revert to the traditional blue jersey for the upcoming Asian Games following public and internal backlash over a switch to saffron. The federation clarified that while saffron will remain a secondary option, blue will be the primary kit color.
Why it matters
The reversal highlights the intersection of national identity, sports tradition, and administrative decision-making in Indian athletics.
NEW DELHI: Hockey India has seemingly reversed its controversial decision to make saffron the Indian hockey teams’ primary colour, with both the men’s and women’s sides set to return to their traditional blue jerseys at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.The decision comes just weeks after the saffron kits became a major talking point at the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. Hockey India had switched from its long-standing blue jersey to saffron ahead of the tournament, citing technical concerns over visibility against the blue playing surface.However, the change sparked criticism from several former India captains and also triggered an internal controversy within the federation.
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