India hockey teams to sport saffron jerseys at FIH World Cup, move sparks debate

The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams will wear saffron as their primary jersey at next month’s FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, replacing the iconic that has long been synonymous with Indian hockey. The change has sparked a debate, with former India captain Viren Rasquinha questioning the decision.

Unveiling the new kit on its social media platforms, said the jersey was designed to “tell a story” and reflect “India’s pride.” According to the federation, saffron represents courage, sacrifice and victory, while also drawing inspiration from the Indian national flag and the rising sun to signify new beginnings. The jersey features Mandala-inspired patterns celebrating India’s cultural heritage, deep navy blue accents inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, a modern interpretation of the Sudarshan Chakra on the chest symbolising “strength, unity, and momentum,” tricolour piping along the shoulders and sides, and “INDIA” written in stylised Devanagari script to celebrate the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

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The teams will also have an alternate white jersey featuring the same design for the tournament, which runs from August 15 to 30.

The decision to replace blue with saffron as the primary kit, however, drew criticism from Rasquinha, who said the colour change undermined the team’s identity.

“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?” Rasquinha, who is also the CEO of Olympic Gold Quest, wrote on X.

He later added: “My simple & humble point is on pride, identity & legacy.”

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Hockey India defended the decision, dismissing suggestions of any political significance. “There is nothing political about it. What’s wrong in saffron being the first jersey, saffron is part of our tricolour. Besides, change is always welcome,” a senior Hockey India official told PTI.

The official also argued that the shift had a practical purpose, noting that blue jerseys on blue hockey turfs reduce visibility for spectators and broadcasters. “It creates low contrast, where players blend into the pitch. Wearing blue jersey on a blue turf can make it difficult for viewers to track players,” the official said.