Odisha: Indian hockey team’s saffron jersey draws criticism and defense
The recent decision to change the Indian hockey team’s jersey colour from its traditional blue to saffron has ignited considerable debate. This change, announced by Hockey India, will see both the men’s and women’s teams wear saffron jerseys at the upcoming FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. The move has drawn strong reactions from various figures, including former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, while Hockey India and the team captain have defended the decision.
Naveen Patnaik, president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), expressed deep anguish over the change, stating it has hurt the emotions of sports fans. He highlighted that the blue jersey has been an integral part of Indian hockey for decades, symbolising national pride and identity, derived from the blue chakra in the national flag. Patnaik, who was a goalkeeper for his school hockey team, recalled how Odisha became the first and only state to sponsor the national hockey teams when they faced financial struggles about a decade ago, during his tenure as chief minister.
Patnaik criticised the change as a “crass attempt to erase our priceless sporting legacy” and alleged that the decision was made under pressure from the BJP government in Odisha. He claimed that the current state government has shown an obsession with changing colours of public infrastructure and is now politicising a national sport like hockey, which he believes has deeply hurt sports lovers across the country.
Hockey India and Captain Defend Decision
In response to the backlash, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey addressed the criticism, clarifying the reasons behind the jersey colour change. Tirkey stated that the decision was a specific request from the players and coaches. He explained that playing on blue hockey turf while wearing blue jerseys created a visual overlap during fast gameplay, which reduced contrast and clarity. Out of two options, orange and yellow, orange was chosen because it reflects the saffron in the national flag.
Hockey India also stated that the saffron colour symbolises courage, sacrifice, and victory, and is inspired by the Indian national flag and the rising sun, reflecting new beginnings. The federation noted that this is not the first time the jersey colour has been changed, citing instances in 2014 and 2018 when the team wore yellow and light blue, respectively.
Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, also dismissed suggestions of political influence, stating that the decision was a collective one made by the team and coaches. He emphasised that the change was driven by on-field requirements, similar to past equipment changes like the switch from yellow to white balls in hockey. Singh explained that during training on the blue pitch for the World Cup, the orange jersey provided better visibility, making it easier to spot teammates.
The new jersey also incorporates several design elements, including a mandala motif at the centre, navy blue accents inspired by the Ashok Chakra, and a modern interpretation of the Sudarshan Chakra on the chest. Tricolour piping in saffron, white, and green runs along the shoulder and side. The design also includes the tagline “Think India, Think Odisha,” acknowledging Odisha’s ongoing support as the team’s principal sponsor. Hockey India stated that the jersey embodies the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and was launched ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
Former Indian hockey team captain Viren Rasquinha also expressed disappointment over the change, tweeting that the legacy and identity of the Indian team has always been blue and that fans want to see the team in blue. Despite the varied reactions, Harmanpreet Singh urged focus on the game and support for the team, rather than engaging in what he termed unnecessary controversy.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
