Former captains criticise saffron jersey for Indian hockey team

By Sanjay Menon — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

Concerns over traditional blue jersey

The decision to adopt saffron as the primary jersey colour for the Indian hockey team in the upcoming World Cup has drawn criticism from former captains Pargat Singh and Dhanraj Pillay. Both expressed that the blue jersey has long been integral to the team’s identity. The debate emerged after Hockey India unveiled the new kit for both the men’s and women’s teams ahead of the tournament, which is scheduled to commence on August 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Dhanraj Pillay, who represented India in 339 international matches, including four Olympics, four World Cups, and four Champions Trophy tournaments, highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the blue jersey and Indian hockey over many decades. He noted that while saffron is a significant and auspicious colour, being part of the National Flag, it has not been the traditional colour for Indian hockey.

Pillay questioned the sudden change after numerous years, pointing out that teams from the 1928 Olympic team to the 1980 Moscow Olympic gold medal-winning side, including legends like Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Sr., Mohammad Shahid, and Zafar Iqbal, all played in blue. He himself played for nearly 15 years, during which the jersey remained blue.

Pargat Singh was more critical of the decision, stating that he perceives a trend of ‘saffronisation’ across various sectors, including education, history, and now sports. He emphasised that sports should unite people and transcend religion, caste, and politics, expressing concern if such influences enter the sporting arena. Pargat also dismissed the explanation that the change was based on feedback from players and coaches, asserting that players and coaches typically do not make such recommendations.

Rejection of visibility arguments

Hockey India has stated that the decision was made considering technical feedback from coaches and players, as well as the symbolic value of saffron as a colour in the National Flag. However, former captain Viren Rasquinha has also voiced reservations about the change.

Both Dhanraj Pillay and Pargat Singh rejected the argument that the colour change was necessary due to hockey being played on blue astro turf. Pillay noted that teams have been playing on blue turf for several years without any issues related to jersey colour visibility. He questioned whether the FIH (International Hockey Federation) had issued any directives indicating difficulties with blue jerseys on blue turf.

Pargat Singh echoed this sentiment, stating that he never experienced such visibility problems. He also questioned why, if visibility were a concern, saffron was the only colour considered, implying other options might have been available. He further highlighted that the FIH already has India‘s jersey colours registered, reinforcing the established identity of the blue jersey.

Pargat mentioned that generations of Indian players, from the sport’s biggest names to the current squad, have represented the country in blue. He noted that in iconic photographs of Indian hockey, players are consistently seen in blue, and even during their playing days, training was conducted in blue. He concluded that the blue jersey has become the identity of Indian hockey.

While India traditionally used a white change kit, the saffron jersey has now been registered as the primary strip. Pargat Singh stated he saw no logical reasoning behind this particular decision.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com