Fulton backs India’s switch to saffron after 18 games, cites improved visibility

India men's hockey coach Craig Fulton on 2026-11-10 backed the team's change from blue to saffron, saying that, 18 games after the switch that debuted at the World Cup, the new colours have improved on-field visibility. Fulton made the remarks while speaking to Sportstar.

The decision to abandon the iconic blue divided fans and pundits and exposed infighting within Hockey India, though the federation defended the move. Hockey India said the choice followed consultations with players, coaches and support staff and that technical considerations, not aesthetics, drove the change. The federation's principal argument was that the blue jersey had begun to blend with the playing turf.

Fulton told Sportstar he supported the technical rationale behind the switch and argued it created better contrast on blue pitches. "I’m not here to say it’s right or wrong, what colour the jersey should be or shouldn’t be. But the more that you play on a blue pitch, the more contrast you can create makes a difference. So from that technical point of view, I think it’s made a really important difference," said Fulton.

He cited the recent Asian Champions Trophy final against Japan in Mohali to illustrate the issue, noting Japan wore dark blue on a blue pitch at night. "So when we play Japan in the final, and they play in dark blue on a dark blue pitch at night, it’s not easy. Now we’re playing in orange, still playing for India, but in orange on a blue pitch at night, we see each other like clear as day. And that makes a big difference."

Fulton also raised practical equipment concerns around colour clashes. "Also, the orange socks on the blue pitch, if you have blue socks on a blue pitch, and if you have black shoes, you know it clashes like this over time. So, I’m happy with where we’re at with the colours," said Fulton. He added that off-field debate had not distracted the squad: "We are here to play hockey," said Fulton.

The jersey change has coincided with notable results for India. After debuting the new kit during the World Cup, the men went on to win Asian Games gold and to defend the ACT title in Punjab, going unbeaten in both competitions. The women's team also ended a long wait for Asian Games gold after the jersey was changed to saffron and produced an inspirational performance during the World Cup.

The saffron kit has now been used across 18 matches since its World Cup debut and was followed by the unbeaten runs and title wins for both the men's and women's sides described above.