India hockey's saffron WC jersey slammed by ex-captain Rasquinha
Synopsis
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has taken on Hockey India over its decision to kit out both national squads in a predominantly saffron jersey for the 2026 FIH World Cup — arguing that blue is not just a colour but the very foundation of India's hockey identity. With no official justification from the federation, the controversy is only getting louder.
Key Takeaways
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has criticised Hockey India's decision to introduce a predominantly saffron jersey for the national teams.
The new kit will be worn by both the men's and women's squads at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium .
Rasquinha argued that blue has always been India's hockey identity and questioned the 'logic' behind the colour change.
Hockey India has not publicly responded to the criticism as of 30 July .
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has publicly questioned Hockey India's decision to introduce a predominantly saffron jersey for both the men's and women's national teams ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium. Rasquinha argued the change contradicts a legacy built over decades and challenged the governing body to explain the rationale behind the shift.
Rasquinha's Core Objection
The former captain contended that blue has historically defined India's hockey identity on the global stage. 'India's legacy and identity has always been blue,' Rasquinha said, questioning the logic of replacing a colour so deeply associated with the team's storied past. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among hockey traditionalists who view the saffron kit as a departure from institutional memory rather than a branding evolution.
The New Jersey and What Changed
Hockey India unveiled the saffron-dominant jersey as the team's primary strip for the upcoming 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The decision covers both the men's and women's national squads. No official explanation from Hockey India regarding the specific reasoning behind the colour change has been widely reported at the time of writing.
Why the Debate Matters
India's blue jersey carries the weight of the country's most celebrated era in hockey — eight Olympic gold medals, most of them won when the team wore blue. For many fans and former players, the colour is not merely aesthetic but symbolic of a competitive identity. This is not the first time a national sports body's kit decision has sparked public debate; similar controversies have followed cricket and football uniform changes in recent years. Notably, the timing — ahead of a marquee World Cup — amplifies scrutiny.
What Happens Next
Hockey India has not publicly responded to Rasquinha's criticism as of 30 July. With the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup approaching, pressure may mount on the federation to either justify the change or reconsider. The reaction from current players and other former internationals is likely to shape the public conversation in the coming days.
Point of View
Which is precisely the kind of institutional opacity that breeds controversy. Blue carries the memory of eight Olympic golds; replacing it without explanation invites the question of whether this is branding strategy or political signalling. The federation's silence so far is itself a story.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Viren Rasquinha criticise Hockey India's new jersey?
Rasquinha objected to Hockey India's decision to replace the traditional blue jersey with a predominantly saffron kit for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. He argued that blue has always defined India's hockey legacy and identity, and questioned the logic behind the change.
What is the new India hockey jersey for the 2026 FIH World Cup?
Hockey India unveiled a predominantly saffron jersey as the primary strip for both the men's and women's national teams at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Where is the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup being held?
The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup is scheduled to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Has Hockey India responded to the jersey controversy?
As of 30 July, Hockey India had not publicly responded to Rasquinha's criticism or provided an official explanation for the decision to switch from blue to a saffron-dominant jersey.
Why is blue considered significant for India hockey?
Blue has been the traditional colour of the Indian hockey team for decades and is associated with the country's most celebrated era in the sport, including eight Olympic gold medals. Former players and fans regard it as a core part of the team's sporting identity.
