New Delhi: The decision to change the Indian hockey team’s jersey colour from blue to orange ahead of the 2026 Hockey World Cup has sparked a debate, with former captains questioning the move while Hockey India defended it as a player-driven decision.
Former India captain Viren Rasquinha criticised the change, saying the blue jersey had long been an integral part of the team’s identity. In a post on social media, he described the decision to switch to an orange jersey as “shameful”.
Another former captain, Pargat Singh, also expressed disappointment over the change in the team’s traditional colours.
Responding to the criticism, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said the new jersey was introduced following suggestions from the players, captains, coaches and support staff.
Tirkey said Hockey India unveiled the new jerseys for both the men’s and women’s teams on July 27 and added that if the players are not satisfied with the design after the World Cup, the jersey could be changed in the future.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi also criticised the decision, saying India’s identity is rooted in values such as non-violence, truth and brotherhood, and those values cannot be changed.
