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'Army Uniform May Be Next': Opposition Slams New Saffron Hockey Jersey
Patnaik said the change politicizes hockey and disrespects Odisha’s support, noting the state backed the national teams with a Rs 140 crore sponsorship.
- On Thursday, former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik questioned Hockey India's decision to change the national hockey team's jersey from blue to saffron, alleging the move occurred under political pressure from the BJP Odisha government.
- During his tenure, Patnaik announced a Rs 140 crore sponsorship deal with Hockey India in February 2018, enabling The Odisha government to host two Hockey World Cups in 2018 and 2023.
- Stating the Indian team's iconic blue was an 'emotion' linked to sporting heritage, Patnaik condemned the change; three years after his sponsorship began, the national men's team ended a 41-year Olympic medal wait.
- Patnaik alleged the Odisha BJP government has shown an 'obsession' with changing colors of buildings, buses and bridges, while Hockey India defended the new jersey, stating, 'Players suggested saffron.'
- While the sponsorship deal was originally for five years, The Odisha government later extended it until 2036, continuing the financial support that Patnaik initiated to help the national teams.
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Indian hockey jersey: Captain Harmanpreet doubles down on change to saffron colour
Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh have backed Hockey India's shift to a saffron jersey before the 2026 Asian Games. The change has split former players, with the federation citing visibility on blue turf as the main reason.
·Noida, India
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'Blue jersey is to India as yellow jersey is to Brazil'
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed strong 'anguish' over the Indian hockey team's decision to change its traditional blue jersey to saffron for the upcoming FIH World Cup. Patnaik, whose state government previously sponsored the team, criticised the move as 'petty politics' and an attempt to erase sporting legacy, alleging pressure from the BJP government in Odisha. Hockey India stated the saffron colour symbolises courage…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left2Leaning Right5Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Right
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources lean Right
62% Right
L 25%
13%
R 62%
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