Key Takeaways
- India’s field hockey teams will wear blue jerseys at the upcoming Asian Games.
- The change comes after criticism of their orange kits at the recent World Cup.
- Former players and officials have condemned the saffron switch, seen as politically motivated.
India’s field hockey teams will return to their traditional blue jerseys at the Asian Games, which begin on September 19 in Nagoya-Aichi, Japan. This decision follows criticism of their orange kits during the recent World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey announced the change at an Asian Games send-off event in New Delhi, stating, 'We are back to wearing blue again. Both our teams will wear blue at the Asian Games, that’s been decided. Saffron will be the second colour.'
The bright orange saffron colour, associated with Hindu nationalism and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), drew ire from Hockey India officials and former players. Former India captains Pargat Singh, Dhanraj Pillay, Ajit Pal Singh, and Viren Rasquinha all condemned the decision to move away from a colour that had long been associated with Indian hockey.
The men’s team finished eighth at the World Cup and will defend their Asian Games crown, with winning gold securing qualification for the 2028 Olympics. The women’s team aims to improve on their bronze medal from the last Asian Games.
Tirkey had earlier stated that he was not consulted on the saffron switch, a move that some believed was politically motivated. He added, 'Before the World Cup as well, I was asked about it… and at that time I said this was not a permanent decision.'
The decision to revert to blue is seen as a response to the backlash from the orange kit, which was perceived as a politically charged choice. The blue jerseys will be the primary colour for both the men’s and women’s teams at the Asian Games.
The men’s team will face the challenge of defending their title and securing a place at the 2028 Olympics, while the women’s team aims to build on their recent success. The return to blue is expected to be well-received by fans and players alike.
We are back to wearing blue again. Both our teams will wear blue at the Asian Games, that’s been decided. Saffron will be the second colour.
Dilip Tirkey, Hockey India president
Before the World Cup as well, I was asked about it… and at that time I said this was not a permanent decision.
Dilip Tirkey, Hockey India president
