Hockey India explains decision to replace blue jerseys with saffron following public outcry: 'Players suggested alternative colours'

Hockey India responded to criticism over the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams after they ditched the traditional blue colour and opted for a saffron-coloured kit on Thursday.

The recent kit change led to immense criticism from fans and ex-players, with former Indian hockey captain and CEO of Olympic Gold Quest Viren Rasquinha calling out the federation's decision.

Hockey India: ‘The primary consideration was technical’

Hockey India explained that the decision to change the national teams’ uniform colour was primarily technical, as the traditional colour visually blended with the blue synthetic playing surface, which is now primarily used in international hockey, to improve visibility and clarity among players.

The federation also said that the decision was made after consultation with the players and coaches. They added that yellow and saffron were chosen as the alternate colours, with saffron ultimately being picked.

“The decision to change the uniform colour was based on support staff and players’ recommendations and detailed consultations with them. The primary consideration was technical. It was observed that the blue playing uniform tended to blend/merge with the blue synthetic playing surface, which is now the standard colour of international hockey pitches. This visual similarity affected on-field clarity and visibility for the players.

“In light of the above, the coaches and players suggested alternative colours such as yellow or saffron. After careful consideration, saffron was finalised. Apart from addressing the technical requirement, saffron also holds deep significance as one of the colours of our National Flag, symbolising courage, sacrifice and national pride,” Hockey India said in the statement.

What other changes HI made on India’s jersey?

Apart from the saffron colour, the new hockey jersey featured Mandala-inspired patterns that celebrated the country’s rich cultural heritage, and the blue accents are inspired by the Ashok Chakra, which symbolised progress, peace and focus.

Presenting the new India jersey! 🇮🇳Every stitch tells a story. Every pattern, every colour carries India's pride.Our teams are ready to once again do the country proud at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.🎥: Select 2 (SD+HD)+ Khel & JioHotstar🗓️: August… pic.twitter.com/8GvwbByapq— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) July 27, 2026

Presenting the new India jersey! 🇮🇳Every stitch tells a story. Every pattern, every colour carries India's pride.Our teams are ready to once again do the country proud at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.🎥: Select 2 (SD+HD)+ Khel & JioHotstar🗓️: August… pic.twitter.com/8GvwbByapq

The chest graphics are the modern representation of the Sudarshan Chakra, which symbolises unity, strength and momentum, while the tricolour piping reinforces national pride.

’India’ is written in a stylised Devanagari script, which celebrates the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity.

Team India will don the new kits from the FIH World Cup, starting August 14 to 30, 2026, in Belgium and the Netherlands.