Former India captains criticise saffron hockey jersey change
Concerns over jersey colour change
The decision to change the Indian hockey team’s primary jersey colour to saffron for the upcoming World Cup has drawn criticism from former captains Pargat Singh and Dhanraj Pillay. Both former players stated that the blue jersey has long been the team’s established identity. The debate began after Hockey India unveiled the new kit for both the men’s and women’s teams ahead of the World Cup, which is scheduled to commence on August 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Pargat Singh, a former India captain, expressed concerns, stating that he believes “Everything in the country is being saffronised.” He criticised Hockey India’s decision, suggesting that sports should remain free from political influence. Another former captain, Viren Rasquinha, has also raised reservations regarding the change.
Hockey India, however, has stated that the decision was made considering technical feedback from coaches and players. They also cited the symbolic value associated with saffron, given its presence in the National Flag.
Historical identity and player feedback
Dhanraj Pillay, who represented India in 339 international matches, including four Olympics, four World Cups, and four Champions Trophy tournaments, highlighted the long-standing connection between the blue jersey and Indian hockey. He noted that while saffron is an important and auspicious colour as part of the National Flag, it has not been the traditional colour for Indian hockey. Dhanraj questioned the sudden change after many years, stating, “The blue jersey has become the identity of Indian hockey.”
He recalled that teams from the 1928 Olympic squad, through the eras of Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Sr., Mohammad Shahid, and Zafar Iqbal, including the 1980 Moscow Olympic gold medal-winning side, all played in blue. Dhanraj mentioned that throughout his nearly 15-year career, the jersey remained blue. He emphasised that players associate themselves with the traditional colours of their national team, distinguishing it from franchise tournaments like the IPL or Hockey India League, where teams wear various colours.
Dhanraj also addressed the argument that the change was necessary due to hockey being played on blue astro turf. He pointed out that the team has played on blue turf for several years without any reported issues concerning jersey colour visibility. He questioned whether the FIH had issued any directives regarding blue jerseys creating difficulties.
Pargat Singh was particularly critical, asserting that “Everything in the country is being saffronised – education, history and now sports too. This is worrying.” He stressed that sports unite people and should transcend religion, caste, and politics, expressing concern if such ideologies enter sports. Pargat also dismissed Hockey India’s explanation that the change was for improved visibility on blue turf, stating he never experienced such an issue. He questioned why, if visibility was a concern, only saffron was chosen among other potential options.
Furthermore, Pargat rejected the claim that the decision was based on feedback from players and coaches. He argued that players and coaches typically do not make such recommendations and that the FIH already has India’s jersey colours registered. He reiterated that the blue jersey has consistently been the identity of the Indian hockey team. Pargat highlighted that generations of Indian players, from historical figures to the current squad, have represented the nation in blue. He noted that iconic photographs of Indian hockey consistently show players in blue, and even during their playing days, they trained in blue. Pargat added that while India traditionally had a white change kit, the saffron jersey has now been registered as the primary strip, and he sees no logical reasoning behind this decision.
Political implications and sports development
Pargat Singh, who is also a Congress MLA, further criticised the change, attributing it to what he described as a political agenda to ‘saffronise’ everything and divert attention from genuine sports development. He argued that the government’s focus should be on improving sports infrastructure and providing better facilities for athletes, rather than altering jersey colours. Singh emphasised that sports should remain free from political and social divisions, promoting brotherhood and sportsmanship. He urged the government to move away from what he termed a “petty mindset” and concentrate on more significant work for the country, such as promoting players, expanding the sports base, and overall sports development. The former captain appealed to spare sports from such ‘saffronisation’, highlighting its role in conveying a message of brotherhood globally.
The change in jersey colour has also drawn questions from other prominent figures, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Pargat Singh stated that the intention of the government is clear, referencing changes in education policy and other areas. He reiterated that the primary colour for Indian hockey has always been blue, and he questioned what this change would achieve for the country. The World Cup is scheduled to begin on August 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
