Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey on Friday, 31 July wrote formal emails to senior office-bearers and Executive Board members, questioning the decision to replace the national team's traditional blue jersey with saffron ahead of the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup. Tirkey stated the change had been implemented 'without being placed before the Executive Board for discussion and without my prior knowledge.'

What Tirkey's Email Said

In an email addressed to the Hockey India Executive Board — a screenshot of which has been circulating on social media — Tirkey wrote: 'I wish to bring to your attention the recent change in the colour of the Indian national team's jersey. This decision appears to have been taken and implemented without being placed before the Executive Board for discussion and without my prior knowledge.'

Notably, Tirkey was careful to separate his objection from any opposition to the colour itself. 'My concern is not with the choice of saffron itself. However, a decision of this significance, involving the identity and representation of our national team, should ideally have been discussed with the elected leadership and the Executive Board before implementation,' he wrote.

Political Dimension and Odisha Government's Role

The jersey change has drawn political attention beyond the sport. Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who has been instrumental in positioning Odisha as the primary sponsor of Indian hockey, criticised the switch to saffron, alleging it amounted to politicising a national sporting symbol.

Tirkey disclosed that the Odisha government had formally sought an explanation over the matter. 'I have also been asked by the Government of Odisha to provide clarification regarding this matter,' he wrote, adding that he had publicly stated the change was 'purely a sporting decision' to keep attention on the team and its World Cup preparations.

Transparency and Process Concerns

Tirkey's email framed the episode as a governance failure rather than a colour dispute. 'This matter highlights the need to ensure that significant decisions concerning the national team are brought before the elected leadership and Executive Board for due consultation and collective consideration. I raise this not to attribute blame, but to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to our established decision-making processes going forward,' he concluded.

Deadline Set for Written Clarification

In a separate communication to Hockey India Executive Director Commander Srivastava, Tirkey directed that a detailed note on the jersey change be circulated to all Executive Board members by 5 pm on 31 July. The note was required to cover: the background and rationale for the colour change; the authority under which the decision was taken; the process followed, including which officers, committees, or individuals were involved; whether any consultation was undertaken with the president, Executive Board, current players, coaches, or former international players; and the reasons why neither the president nor the Executive Board was informed or consulted before the public announcement.

With the FIH Hockey World Cup approaching, the episode raises questions about internal governance at Hockey India and the extent to which decisions affecting the national team's identity are subject to collective oversight.