India Hockey Team Unveils Saffron Jersey for FIH World Cup, Viren Rasquinha Questions Move
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams will wear saffron jerseys instead of their traditional blue kits during next month's FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, a move that has generated considerable discussion among players and fans.
Hockey India unveiled the new jersey design on social media, saying the kit was created to reflect India's heritage and national pride. According to the governing body, the saffron colour was selected after consultations with players and support staff and represents courage, sacrifice and victory.
Former Indian captain Viren Rasquinha has questioned the decision, prompting Hockey India to explain the reasons behind the change.
Hockey India cites visibility concerns
In an official statement, Hockey India said the traditional blue jerseys tended to blend into the blue synthetic surfaces commonly used in international hockey stadiums.
"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. This visual similarity affected on-field clarity and visibility for the players."
The organisation also highlighted the symbolic importance of saffron.
"Apart from addressing the technical requirement, saffron also holds deep significance as one of the colours of our National Flag, symbolising courage, sacrifice and national pride."
Every thread tells a story. Every crest carries a dream.
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) July 27, 2026
The Indian Men's Hockey Team unveils its new jersey ahead of the FIH Hockey Men's World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026—a symbol of pride, passion, and the unwavering belief of millions.
Here's to giving everything for… pic.twitter.com/AhzmJtvq3S
The FIH Hockey World Cup is scheduled to be held from August 15 to August 30.
Traditional and modern elements combined
The newly designed jersey incorporates Mandala-inspired patterns as a tribute to India's rich cultural heritage. Deep navy-blue accents have been added to represent the Ashoka Chakra, symbolising peace, progress and determination.
According to Hockey India, the emblem displayed on the chest is a modern interpretation of the Sudarshan Chakra, representing strength, unity and momentum. Tricolour detailing on the shoulders and sides has also been included to emphasise national pride.
The word "INDIA" appears on the front of the jersey in a stylised Devanagari script to celebrate the country's linguistic and cultural diversity.
Apart from the saffron kit, the teams will also have white jerseys featuring the same design. ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane Announces Retirement From International Cricket, Says 'Time to Move On'
Viren Rasquinha criticises the move
Rasquinha described the decision as disappointing and said the Indian hockey team's identity has always been closely linked to the colour blue.
"I must say that @TheHockeyIndia has done many good things for... But this is embarrassing. 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?"
He later added:
"My simple & humble point is on pride, identity & legacy."
Hockey India says the move is not unprecedented
Responding to the criticism, Hockey India pointed out that changes in jersey colours have taken place in the past.
"It may also be noted that changes in jersey colour are not unprecedented in Indian hockey. From time to time, the national team's playing kit colour has been modified as per functional and other requirements."
The organisation further stated that India wore yellow jerseys during the 2014 FIH Hockey World Cup, while sky-blue jerseys with a new design were introduced during the 2018 edition of the tournament.
"The present change to saffron was implemented considering both the technical feedback received from the coaches and players and the symbolic value associated with the colour being part of our National Flag."
