Viren Rasquinha Critiques Hockey India's Choice of Orange Jerseys

Former Indian hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has voiced his concerns over Hockey India's decision to adopt orange jerseys for the national team, arguing that the team's identity has always been tied to the color blue. His remarks come ahead of the FIH Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups, where India aims to reclaim its past glory. With the men's tournament set to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands, and the women's team preparing to face China, Rasquinha's comments have sparked discussions about tradition and team identity. Read on to discover more about the upcoming tournaments and the team's aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 12:21 IST

Concerns Over New Jersey Color

In New Delhi, former Indian hockey captain and Olympian Viren Rasquinha has raised concerns regarding Hockey India's recent decision to have the national team don orange jerseys. He emphasized that the team's identity and heritage have long been linked to the color blue.

Rasquinha's comments followed the unveiling of the new uniforms for both the senior men's and women's teams on July 27, just ahead of the upcoming FIH Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups.

The men's tournament is set to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30, while the women's event will occur from August 15 to 30.

Taking to X, Rasquinha expressed his disappointment, stating, "Hockey India has accomplished many positive things, but this is quite embarrassing. The Indian team's legacy has always been BLUE. I proudly wore the Blue jersey for many years. Fans expect to see our team in blue. What is the reasoning behind choosing orange?"

World Cup Aspirations

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? https://t.co/apDnJkTld4

— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) July 29, 2026

India has been placed in Pool D alongside England, Wales, and their traditional rivals, Pakistan. The nation last celebrated World Cup victory in 1975, defeating Pakistan 2-1 in the final, but has not secured the title in the past 50 years.

After finishing ninth in the 2023 edition held in Bhubaneswar, the Indian team is eager to reclaim glory, buoyed by their recent achievements, including two consecutive Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup title, and two Asian Champions Trophy victories.

The women's team will kick off their campaign against China on August 16, followed by matches against South Africa and England in Pool D.

Before the team's departure, captain Salima Tete expressed optimism about their preparations, stating, "The entire squad is looking forward to the challenge ahead. We’ve had a good training block, and now it’s about carrying that momentum into the practice matches and then the World Cup. Facing China in our opening game will be an important test, and we want to start the tournament on a positive note. As a team, we are determined to give our best and make the country proud."