‘What Is the Logic of Orange?’: Viren Rasquinha Fumes at the New Saffron-Coloured India Jersey for the FIH World Cup
Rasquinha said the color shift raises questions about team identity and legacy as Hockey India said saffron reflects courage, sacrifice and victory.
- On Monday, Hockey India unveiled a new orange jersey for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, stating the design "embodies the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" and "reflects new beginnings."
- The Indian team has traditionally worn Blue, leading to criticism that replacing the color hurts the team's legacy and identity; fans expressed disappointment online, noting the historic connection to the color.
- Former India captain Viren Rasquinha questioned the logic of the change, stating "India is to hockey what Argentina is to football" and asking if Argentina would ever wear orange and white stripes as their 1st jersey.
- Hockey India defended the saffron-colored design, stating it "symbolises courage, sacrifice and victory" and was inspired by the national flag, while the jersey features patterns to "celebrate India's rich cultural heritage."
- Responding to online criticism on Thursday, Rasquinha said he was "seeing many unnecessary political comments" and reiterated his focus on "pride, identity and legacy" regarding the team's historic Blue color.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Hockey India Clarifies New Saffron Jersey For World Cup Teams After Viren Rasquinha Calls It 'Embarrassing'
Hockey India's decision to replace the Indian men's hockey team's traditional blue jersey with a predominantly saffron kit for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup has triggered criticism from fans and former players, prompting the federation to explain the reasons behind
Priyanka Gandhi Criticises Decision to Change Indian Hockey Jersey Colour to Saffron from Blue
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. Congress MP from Wayanad Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday criticised the change in the Indian hockey team's jersey from blue to saffron, linking the move to broader concerns over attempts to rewrite the country's history. Sports News | Priyanka Gandhi Criticises Decision to Change Indian Hockey Jersey Colour to Saffron from Blue.
'This is embarrassing': Former hockey captain questions India's new orange jersey. Internet divided
The new jerseys, unveiled ahead of the two tournaments, feature saffron as the dominant colour, replacing the blue kit that has long been synonymous with Indian hockey. The FIH Men's Hockey World Cup will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30, while the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup is scheduled from August 15 to 30.
The Indian hockey team's new jersey has sparked controversy. Hockey India has replaced the traditional blue jersey with a new kit featuring a predominantly saffron color. Former India captain Viren Rasquinha reacted sharply to this decision. The Hockey World Cup is scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands next month.
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