New Delhi, July 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has questioned Hockey India’s decision to introduce a predominantly saffron jersey for the men’s and women’s teams ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, arguing that the move departs from the national team’s long-established identity associated with the colour blue.
Reacting to the unveiling of the new World Cup kit, Rasquinha acknowledged Hockey India’s contribution to the growth of the sport but expressed disappointment over the change in colours. He said the Indian hockey team’s legacy has always been linked with the traditional blue jersey, which generations of players have worn with pride.
In a post on social media platform X, the former midfielder, who captained India and represented the country at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2006 Men’s Hockey World Cup, said fans identify the national team with blue and questioned the rationale behind adopting saffron as the dominant colour for the World Cup jersey.
His remarks came shortly after Hockey India officially unveiled the new kit, explaining that the saffron colour symbolises courage, sacrifice and victory while drawing inspiration from the Indian national flag and the rising sun. The federation said the design also incorporates mandala-inspired patterns reflecting India’s cultural heritage, navy blue elements inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, and a modern interpretation of the Sudarshan Chakra representing strength, unity and progress.
Additional design features include tricolour detailing along the shoulders and sides, “India” written in stylised Devanagari script, and branding acknowledging Odisha’s continued support for Indian hockey. Hockey India said the jersey reflects the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
The debate over the new kit has emerged as India intensifies preparations for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup under chief coach Craig Fulton. The squad recently completed a mental conditioning camp in Switzerland under renowned coach Paddy Upton and is expected to head into the tournament with a full-strength squad led by captain Harmanpreet Singh.
India will be aiming to secure its second men’s Hockey World Cup title and its first since the historic triumph in 1975.
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