EXPLAINED: Why Did Hockey India Decide To Switch Jersey Colour From Blue To Saffron?

FIH World Cup: Indian men's and women's hockey teams will be donning a new saffron jersey instead of their traditional blue jersey. Unveiling the new jersey on their social media page, Hockey India said the change in design will tell a story and carry India's pride.

The federation said saffron symbolises courage, sacrifice and victory. "Inspired by the Indian national flag and the rising sun, it reflects new beginnings," the body stated. The jersey also has 'Mandala' inspired patterns which celebrate India's cultural heritage. Hockey India said that the deep navy blue accents are inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, which symbolises progress, peace and focus. HI said the chest graphic is a modern interpretation of the Sudarshan Chakra, symbolising "strength, unity, and momentum."

There is also a tricolour piping along the shoulders and sides, which "reinforces national pride." 'INDIA' is written on the front of the jersey in stylised 'Devanagari' script to "celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity." "New jersey design embodies the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'- One India, Supreme India," HI said in the jersey launch video. Besides saffron, the Indian teams will also have white jerseys in their kits featuring the same new design.

Former Indian Captain Criticises HI's Move

The move to change the colour of the jersey has, however, not sat well with the former captain Viren Rasquinha. "I must say that @TheHockeyIndia has done many good things for... But this is embarrassing. The legacy & identity of the Indian team has always been BLUE. I wore the Blue jersey with pride for many years. Fans want to see our Indian team in blue. What is the logic of orange?," Rasquinha, who is also the CEO of Olympic Gold Quest, wrote on 'X'. "My simple and humble point is about pride, identity and legacy," he further wrote.

However, the national federation defended the decision, maintaining that there was nothing wrong with choosing saffron as the primary jersey because it is an integral part of India's tricolour. A senior Hockey India official told PTI that there was "nothing political about it" and asked, "What's wrong with saffron being the first jersey? Saffron is part of our tricolour. Besides, change is always welcome."

Tactical Thinking Behind India's Jersey Colour Change

Hockey India said the decision to change the team's jersey colour was based on technical feedback from coaches, support staff and players. The main concern was that the traditional blue jersey blended with the blue synthetic turf used in international hockey, reducing visibility and on-field clarity.

According to the federation, the lack of contrast made it harder for players to spot teammates quickly and also affected the viewing experience for fans and broadcasters. Coaches and players suggested alternative colours, including yellow and saffron, with saffron eventually being chosen.

Hockey India also pointed out that jersey colour changes are not unusual. The national team wore yellow during the 2014 FIH Hockey World Cup and a redesigned sky-blue kit in the 2018 edition.

The federation said the move to saffron addressed both the technical requirement for better visibility and the symbolic importance of saffron as a colour in India's national flag, representing courage, sacrifice and national pride.