Controversy Arises Over Indian Hockey Team's Jersey Color Change

The recent decision to change the Indian hockey team's jersey color from blue to saffron has stirred significant controversy. Former captain Pargat Singh criticized the move, suggesting it reflects a political agenda rather than a focus on sports development. He emphasized the need for better facilities for athletes and urged the government to keep sports free from political influences. Hockey India President Dilip Kumar Tirkey defended the change, stating it was based on player feedback regarding visibility issues. As the team prepares for the upcoming World Cups, the debate continues over the implications of this color shift.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 13:53 IST

Debate Over Jersey Color Shift

On July 30, Congress MLA and former captain of the Indian hockey team, Pargat Singh, expressed his disapproval regarding the recent alteration of the national hockey team's jersey color from blue to saffron. He argued that this change reflects the BJP's tendency to impose a specific color on everything.

In light of the ongoing debate, Pargat emphasized that the primary concern should be the enhancement of sports and the provision of improved facilities for athletes.

The decision to change the jersey color has ignited controversy, with former Indian captain and Olympian Viren Rasquinha also questioning the rationale behind it. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has similarly criticized the move.

Pargat remarked, "The government's intentions are evident. Whether it's in education or other sectors, their focus seems to be on altering the existing framework. Traditionally, hockey has always been associated with the color blue. However, their approach appears to be to assign a specific color, saffron, to everything. What does this accomplish for our nation? The BJP's mindset is unmistakably clear through this action."

He urged the government to abandon what he termed a "petty mindset" and instead prioritize the promotion of athletes and the expansion of sports infrastructure.

Pargat further stated, "We should move past such trivial concerns and concentrate on significant issues for the country, such as supporting players, enhancing facilities, broadening the sports base, and fostering overall sports development."

He also highlighted the importance of keeping sports free from political and social divisions, emphasizing its role in fostering unity.

"I urge the BJP to leave sports out of this. Sports transcends religion, caste, and political affiliations. It promotes a message of brotherhood globally. We adhere to established rules, and while winning or losing is part of the game, it cultivates a spirit of sportsmanship. Let’s keep sports free from saffronization," he added.

In response, Hockey India President Dilip Kumar Tirkey clarified that the decision to switch the primary jersey color for both the men's and women's teams was made based on feedback from players, coaches, and support staff, citing visibility issues on blue turf.

Tirkey stated, "The new jerseys were introduced ahead of the FIH Men’s and Women’s Hockey World Cups, set to commence on August 14 and 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium, respectively. This time, we opted for orange. I acknowledge that blue has been a longstanding tradition for Team India, but this change was suggested by our coaches and players. In fact, the team wore yellow in 2014 and light blue in 2018 as well."

When asked if the jersey color might change again in the future, Tirkey assured that Hockey India would take the players' preferences into account.

"If, after or during the World Cup, the team feels uncomfortable with the orange color, which was introduced at their request, we can certainly consider changing it to a color they prefer in the future," he explained.

"For this World Cup, orange will be the primary jersey, with white as the secondary option. Adjustments can always be made if necessary," Tirkey concluded.