Indian hockey teams switch from blue to saffron jersey for World Cup; HI defends move after criticism
Hockey India has defended the decision to switch the national team's jersey color from blue to saffron for the upcoming World Cup. Officials state the change is a technical necessity to improve visibility against blue synthetic pitches, while also representing national pride.
Why it matters
The change highlights the intersection of sports technology, national identity, and public discourse in India.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams will be seen in saffron jerseys instead of their traditional blue kits at next month's FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium , a change that was questioned by former captain Viren Rasquinha but defended as a technical necessity by Hockey India.
Unveiling the new jersey on its social media pages, Hockey India said the design and colour of the jersey is meant to "tell a story" and carry "India's pride" and was finalised after consultations with players and support staff. HI said saffron symbolises courage, sacrifice and victory.
Presenting the new India jersey! 🇮🇳 Every stitch tells a story. Every pattern, every colour carries India's pride. Our teams are ready to once again do the country proud at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. 🎥: Select 2 (SD+HD)+ Khel & JioHotstar 🗓️: August… pic.twitter.com/8GvwbByapq
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