Why did Hockey India change the jersey colour from blue to orange? Why ex-Indian captains are opposing the move

The Indian men's and women's hockey teams will wear saffron jerseys at the upcoming FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, with Hockey India explaining that the change was made due to visibility concerns on modern blue synthetic pitches, as per a report by PTI. The federation said the traditional blue kit was blending with the playing surface, affecting clarity for players during matches.

Hockey India said the decision followed feedback from coaches and players, who suggested alternative colours including yellow and saffron. After discussions, saffron was selected as the primary colour for the new playing kit.

The federation said blue uniforms were increasingly difficult to distinguish against the blue surfaces used at international hockey venues, creating a technical challenge during games.


"It was observed that the blue playing uniform tended to blend/merge with the blue synthetic playing surface, which is now the standard colour of international hockey pitches," Hockey India said.

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Why was saffron colour chosen?

Hockey India said the new colour was selected not only for improved visibility but also because saffron represents courage, sacrifice and victory. The federation noted that the colour is part of India's national flag and reflects national pride.

The new jersey was designed after consultations with players and support staff. It features Mandala-inspired patterns highlighting India's cultural heritage, while navy blue elements draw inspiration from the Ashoka Chakra, representing progress, peace and focus.

The chest design is a modern interpretation of the Sudarshan Chakra, symbolising strength, unity and momentum, according to Hockey India. The kit also includes tricolour detailing on the shoulders and sides, while "INDIA" appears on the front in stylised Devanagari script.

Former Hockey captains questions move

The jersey change drew criticism from former India captain Viren Rasquinha, who questioned the decision to move away from the team's traditional blue identity.

Rasquinha said the blue jersey represented India's hockey legacy and expressed disappointment over the switch to saffron.

"The legacy and identity of the Indian team has always been BLUE," Rasquinha said in a post on X, adding that fans wanted to see the team continue wearing blue.

Vasudevan Baskaran, captain of India's gold medal-winning hockey team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, also questioned the decision. "This entire generation has grown up playing on blue turf. Have they suddenly gone colour blind? We have played in blue jerseys since 1928. It is the colour people identify with Indian hockey. Why change it now? It is shameful," Baskaran told TOI.

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Hockey India says jersey changes are not new

Defending the decision, Hockey India said changes to India's hockey kit have happened earlier as well based on functional requirements.

The federation pointed out that India's jersey colour was changed to yellow during the 2014 FIH Hockey World Cup and to sky blue with a different design during the 2018 edition.

Hockey India said the latest change to saffron was based on technical feedback from players and coaches, along with the colour's significance as part of the national flag.

The FIH World Cup is scheduled to take place from August 15 to 30. Along with the saffron kit, both Indian teams will also have white jerseys featuring the same design.