The decision to change the color of Indian men's and women's hockey jerseys from blue to saffron has ignited controversy, with former players questioning the move. Hockey India (HI) revealed the new jerseys on social media, announcing they will be worn at next month's FIH World Cup. HI stated that the design and color aim to "tell a story" and embody "India's pride."
The jerseys are inspired by the Indian national flag and the rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings. They also feature 'Mandala' patterns celebrating India's cultural heritage, with deep navy blue accents inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, representing progress, peace, and focus. HI described the new design as capturing the essence of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' - One India, Supreme India. Alongside the saffron jerseys, white versions with the same design will also be included in the teams' kits.
However, the shift from blue to saffron has not been well-received by all. Former India captain Viren Rasquinha expressed his disappointment, stating, "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, shared his views on the platform 'X'.
