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India Hockey Teams to Sport Saffron Jerseys at FIH World Cup, Move Sparks Debate
The federation said the new kit will improve visibility on blue turf and carries cultural motifs tied to India’s national identity.
- On Thursday, Hockey India announced the national men's and women's hockey teams will wear saffron jerseys instead of blue at next month's FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.
- Hockey India defended the change, citing technical feedback that blue jerseys blend into blue synthetic turf, reducing visibility for spectators and broadcasters. Kit colours have historically shifted in past World Cups.
- The design features Mandala-inspired patterns celebrating cultural heritage and a Sudarshan Chakra symbolising "strength, unity, and momentum." Tricolour piping and "INDIA" in stylised Devanagari script reinforce national pride.
- Former captain Viren Rasquinha, CEO of Olympic Gold Quest, questioned the decision on 'X', writing that the blue jersey represents the team's "legacy & identity" and asking "What is the logic of orange?".
- Teams will use an alternate white jersey featuring the same design for the FIH World Cup running from August 15 to 30. The federation stated the saffron kit reflects new beginnings inspired by the national flag.
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31 Articles
31 Articles
"Blue Jersey Has Become Identity Of Indian Hockey": Dhanraj Pillay
Hockey India has maintained that the decision was taken considering both the technical feedback received from the coaches and players and the symbolic value associated with the colour being part of the National Flag.
·New Delhi, India
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Hockey India issues clarification on jersey row, defends colour change to saffron
Hockey India took centre stage and issued a clarification on the jersey row around the Indian national hockey team after the jersey's official colour was changed from blue to orange ahead of the FIH World Cup.
·Noida, India
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Total News Sources31
Leaning Left5Leaning Right10Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution59% Right
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources lean Right
59% Right
L 29%
12%
R 59%
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