Published • loading... • Updated
India to Return to Blue Kits at Asian Games 2026 After Saffron Controversy: Hockey India
Hockey India said blue will return as the primary kit after criticism over the saffron switch, with saffron kept as the secondary option.
- On Tuesday, Hockey India announced the national teams will revert to their traditional blue jerseys for the upcoming Asian Games, reversing a recent shift to saffron that sparked widespread controversy.
- The previous switch to saffron for FIH World Cups in the Netherlands and Belgium triggered intense backlash; Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey confirmed the change occurred without Executive Board approval, fueling internal discord and political debate.
- Requesting federation preferences, the Indian Olympic Association received Hockey India's selection of blue as the primary color for the Asian Games, with saffron as the secondary choice, according to Treasurer Shekar Manoharan.
- As the Indian teams head to Japan for the Asiad, the focus shifts to performance; the return to traditional colors aims to stabilize team identity following months of internal friction over kit decisions.
- The Asian Games represent a critical assignment for the Indian teams, offering a pathway to secure qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as success on the continental stage remains the primary goal for the federation.
Insights by Ground AI
28 Articles
28 Articles
Indian hockey teams to return to blue jersey at Asian Games; Tirkey says saffron was 'not permanent'
India’s hockey teams will return to their iconic blue jerseys at the 2026 Asian Games after wearing saffron and white at the World Cup. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said the saffron kit was never permanent and blue will be restored.
·Noida, India
Read Full Article
Indian hockey team could play in blue jersey at 2026 Asian Games: Dilip Tirkey - The Tribune
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has said the Indian hockey team could return to its traditional blue jersey for the 2026 Asian Games, while reiterating that the orange jersey used at the FIH World Cup 2026 is not a permanent colour.
·Chandigarh, India
Read Full Article
Hockey India has reversed its previous decision and has once again chosen blue as the team's jersey colour for the Asian Games 2026, hence Indian players will be seen playing in blue jerseys in the upcoming tournament.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources28
Leaning Left2Leaning Right8Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution73% Right
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources lean Right
73% Right
L 18%
R 73%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
