Hockey India to wear saffron jerseys at 2026 World Cup
Hockey India announced that the national team will don saffron jerseys for the 2026 World Cup. The federation said the change responds to visibility problems caused by the traditional blue kit on blue artificial turf, and noted players and coaches had proposed alternative colours before saffron was selected.
The decision replaces the long-standing blue uniform traditionally worn by the Indian side. Hockey India explained that international match surfaces are typically a blue synthetic turf, and that the similarity between the field and the shirt reduced on-field visibility. Those sighting issues, the federation said, made it harder for players to pick out teammates during play. Following consultations, saffron emerged as the preferred option.
Hockey India detailed the core reason for the switch: the match kit’s colour scheme and the blue playing surface created a visual blend that complicated player recognition. The federation framed the change as a practical step driven by those sightline concerns rather than a stylistic choice. Officials indicated the move was intended to improve clarity during match situations on the standard international turf.
According to Hockey India, the process leading to the new colour included input from within the camp. Players and coaches suggested different colours that might contrast better with the pitch before saffron was selected. The federation presented the final choice as the result of that internal feedback rather than a unilateral decision.
The saffron jerseys will be used at the 2026 World Cup, Hockey India confirmed. The federation has positioned the change as addressing a specific, match-related issue tied to the blue artificial turf used in international hockey. No other alterations to the team’s kit or identity were mentioned in the announcement.
Hockey India’s statement focused on resolving the practical problem of distinguishing teammates on a blue field. With saffron chosen following consultations with players and coaches, the new kit will be in place for the 2026 World Cup.
