Former India captain blasts saffron hockey World Cup jersey: This is embarrassing

Former Indian hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has slammed Hockey India’s decision to replace the national team’s iconic blue jersey with a predominantly saffron jersey ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, calling the move “embarrassing” and questioning the logic of the color change.

Rasquinha, one of India’s most respected former internationals, expressed his disappointment in a post on X, while acknowledging the progress Hockey India has made in recent years.

“I must say @TheHockeyIndia has done many good things for Indian hockey. But this is embarrassing. Indian team’s legacy and identity has always been BLUE. I have worn the blue jersey with pride for many years. Fans want to see our Indian team in blue. What is the logic of orange?”

Introducing India’s new jersey!

Every stitch tells a story. Every pattern, every color carries Indian pride.

Our teams are ready to make the country proud again at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.

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: August pic.twitter.com/8GvwbByapq— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) July 27, 2026

His remarks resonated strongly given his stature in Indian hockey. The former midfielder was a key member of India’s World Cup-winning 2001 FIH Junior World Cup squad before captaining the senior side. He represented India at the 2004 Athens Olympics, featured in the 2006 Hockey World Cup and played in the Champions Trophy, earning recognition as one of the country’s best midfielders of his generation.

INDIA ENTERS FINAL PHASE OF PREPARATION FOR WC

The jersey debate comes as India enter a crucial phase of their preparations for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. Under head coach Craig Fulton, the team has focused on tactical refinement, mental conditioning and high-performance training to maximize their chances at the tournament.

As part of these preparations, the team recently traveled to Switzerland for a three-day high-intensity camp led by renowned mental fitness coach Paddy Upton.

Captained by Harmanpreet Singh, India will head to the World Cup with a full squad after encouraging performances in the latter stages of the FIH Pro League.

With the World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands looming, Hockey India has focused on fine-tuning penalty corners, honing the plays and ensuring the players are in peak physical condition. The team will be hoping that these preparations will help end India’s long wait for a World Cup medal, with their only title coming back in 1975.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

30 Jul 2026 10:47 IST