Chandigarh, July 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Indian hockey captain, Olympian and Punjab MLA Pargat Singh on Thursday criticised the reported change in the traditional colour of the Indian hockey team’s jersey, saying that sports should remain free from political influence.
Pargat Singh said the Indian hockey team’s blue jersey has been associated with the country’s sporting identity for decades and changing its colour was an unfortunate decision. He alleged that replacing the traditional colour with saffron amounted to politicising sports and demanded that the decision be reconsidered.
He said the objective of sports is to unite the nation, encourage athletes and promote national pride rather than become a platform for political messaging.
Targeting the BJP-led Central Government, Pargat Singh alleged that attempts were being made to introduce ideological considerations into different fields, including sports. He said governments should instead focus on improving sports infrastructure, providing world-class training facilities, ensuring availability of modern equipment and extending financial support to athletes.
“Sports have no religion, caste or political colour. They represent talent, discipline, sportsmanship and the honour of the nation,” he said, adding that the welfare of athletes and overall sports development should remain the priority.
The former Punjab Education Minister also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government, alleging that it too had engaged in politics over colours. He claimed that government buildings, schools and other public facilities had been painted in colours associated with the party.
Pargat Singh said political parties should avoid promoting party colours through government institutions and refrain from bringing political considerations into areas such as sports and public administration.
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