Not Saffron: Indian hockey teams to wear blue jerseys at Asian Games

NEW DELHI: The Indian men's and women's hockey teams will return to their traditional blue jerseys for the Asian Games, putting an end to speculation over whether the saffron colour would become the teams' permanent choice.

The decision comes after Hockey India's move to replace the traditional blue jerseys with orange during the recent Hockey World Cup sparked criticism from former players and others. The change also triggered a political controversy, with Hockey India president and former India player Dilip Tirkey saying he was not aware of the decision.

The jerseys for the Asian Games have reportedly been chosen to match the colour of the official jersey of the Indian contingent. However, Hockey India is likely to continue using the orange jerseys in other competitions.

Blue has been the primary colour of the Indian hockey team's jersey since the country's Olympic debut in 1928, barring a few rare occasions.

“We never said that the saffron jersey would be made permanent. The Indian hockey team will now play in blue jerseys. There is no permanent decision regarding the colour of the jersey. We have seven colours to choose from,” Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said.

The jersey colour became a major talking point ahead of the World Cup held in Belgium and the Netherlands. Former India captain Viren Rasquinha had also voiced his opposition to the change on social media.

“The Indian team's tradition and identity have always been blue. I wore the blue jersey with pride for many years. Fans want to see the Indian team in blue jerseys. What is the logic behind choosing orange?” Rasquinha had said.