‘Back to blue’: Hockey India reverses Asian Games saffron jersey decision after World Cup uproar

Indian women’s hockey team (Pic credit: Hockey India) NEW DELHI: Hockey India has seemingly reversed its controversial decision to make saffron the primary color of the Indian hockey teams, with both the men’s and women’s sides reverting to their traditional blue jerseys for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.The decision comes just weeks after the saffron kits became a major talking point at the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. Hockey India switched from its long-standing blue jersey to saffron ahead of the tournament, citing technical concerns about visibility on the blue playing surface.However, the change drew criticism from several former Indian captains and also sparked internal disputes within the federation. Now, as the teams prepare for the Asian Games, blue will once again be the first choice, leaving saffron as a secondary.“The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) asked us about our preferred kit and HI gave first preference to blue, with saffron as the secondary colour,” Hockey India treasurer Shekar Manoharan said on Tuesday.

The saffron switch caused an uproar

Hockey India announced the change on July 27, saying the decision was based on feedback from players and coaches. According to the federation, blue jerseys against the blue turf could affect visibility on the pitch, while yellow and orange emerged as possible alternatives.Saffron was ultimately chosen because of its association with the Indian national flag.However, the move quickly became controversial. Former Indian captains including Pargat Singh, Dhanraj Pillay, Ajit Pal Singh and Viren Rasquinh have questioned the decision to abandon the color that has long been associated with Indian hockey.The debate intensified when Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey revealed through an internal communication that he was not consulted about the change. Tirkey made it clear that his objection was not necessarily about the saffron itself, but the manner in which the decision was taken without taking it to the federation’s elected leadership and executive council.The issue has also spilled over into the political arena, with former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik criticizing the move, claiming the change was politically motivated.India’s FIFA World Cup campaign has not silenced the debate on technical justification. The men’s team finished eighth after two wins from six matches, while the women’s team produced India’s best-ever finish in the tournament to secure fifth place.

Team India during the Ice Hockey World Cup. (AP photo)

Blue returns with Olympic qualification in play

The return to blue comes at a key tournament for both teams. The Asian Games will have added significance as India aims to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a review meeting with the coaches, captains and Hockey India officials of the two teams and urged them to put their World Cup campaigns behind them and focus on the challenge of Olympic qualification.The Harmanpreet Singh-led men’s team will enter the Asian Games as the defending champions, chasing an unprecedented fifth gold medal. The women’s team, meanwhile, will be looking to end a 44-year wait for an Asian Games title after finishing third in the 2022 edition.