Priyanka Gandhi Critiques Indian Hockey Team's Jersey Change Amid Historical Concerns

Priyanka Gandhi's Concerns Over Jersey Color Change

New Delhi, July 30: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her disapproval regarding the Indian hockey team's recent shift from their traditional blue jersey to saffron. She connected this change to larger issues surrounding the rewriting of India's historical narrative.

During a press interaction amidst the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, Priyanka emphasized that the essence of India's identity is grounded in principles of non-violence, truth, and brotherhood, which she believes cannot be altered.

Her remarks followed Hockey India's unveiling of new jerseys for both the men's and women's senior teams on July 27, just ahead of the FIH Men’s and Women’s Hockey World Cups.

“Whether it’s a change in uniforms or attempts to alter history through educational reforms, the youth of our nation have made their opinions clear. The voices heard at Jantar Mantar reflect the sentiments of the country,” she stated.

Priyanka further asserted, “The fight for our independence was based on non-violence and truth; the RSS had no role in it. The nation is aware of the truth, and those who were unaware are now beginning to understand the real motives behind these actions.”

She reiterated that the Congress party, under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, was pivotal in the freedom struggle and that the fundamental values of the nation remain unchanged.

“The Congress led this movement with Mahatma Gandhi’s guidance, and the very essence of our country is rooted in non-violence, truth, and brotherhood. No one can take that away—neither the RSS nor anyone else,” Priyanka Gandhi emphasized.

“Regardless of how much division, violence, or hatred they attempt to instigate, the soul of our nation—characterized by unity and mutual love—remains unscathed; they cannot erase that,” she added.

In a related note, former Indian hockey captain and Olympian Viren Rasquinha also criticized Hockey India's decision to adopt an orange jersey, highlighting that the team's identity has always been linked to the color blue.

Taking to social media, Viren expressed his disappointment, stating, “While @TheHockeyIndia has accomplished many positive things, this is disheartening. The legacy and identity of the Indian team have always been BLUE. I proudly wore the blue jersey for years. Fans want to see our team in blue. What’s the reasoning behind orange?”