Hockey India Jersey Row: Opposition Hits Back At Federation; Says ‘Reconsider This Decision’

Hockey India Jersey Row: The Congress on Saturday questioned the decision to change the colour of the Indian hockey team's jersey, urging the government and relevant authorities to reconsider the move and arguing that sport and athletes should not be used for "narrow-minded political experiments".

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the change was not merely a sporting decision but one that was closely linked to the sentiments of millions of Indians and the country's sporting traditions.

The Indian men's and women's hockey teams, traditionally associated with blue jerseys, are set to wear saffron kits at the upcoming World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, beginning August 15. Hockey India announced the change in jersey colour on July 27.
In a post on X, Kharge said Indian hockey players have long been identified globally as the "Men in Blue", "The Blues" and "The Blue Tigers", arguing that the colour has become an integral part of the team's sporting identity.

"The decision to change the colour of the Indian hockey team's jersey is not merely a sports-related choice, but a matter deeply connected to the sentiments of millions of Indians and our sporting traditions," Kharge said.

He questioned the process through which the decision was taken and called for greater transparency, saying the issue was not about any particular colour but about decision-making and respect for public sentiment.

Kharge also alleged that the government had changed colours associated with public institutions and national symbols in the past, citing road pavements, Parliament employees' attire and the Doordarshan logo.

"National symbols, sports, and players should not be made a medium for narrow-minded political experiments," he said, adding that the government and relevant institutions should clarify how the jersey decision was taken without the knowledge and consent of Hockey India's Executive Board.

Kharge also noted that saffron, white and green are all part of India's national tricolour, while making political remarks about the historical position of the RSS and the freedom movement.

Meanwhile, Hockey India has defended the new design, saying the jersey's colour and design were intended to "tell a story" and reflect "India's pride". The governing body said the kit was finalised after consultations with players and support staff. Hockey India said the saffron colour represents courage, sacrifice and victory.