'This is embarrassing': Fans and ex-players criticise as Indian hockey swaps blue for saffron

Indian hockey has replaced its traditional blue jersey with saffron for upcoming tournaments, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from former players and fans. Hockey India has pointed to clashes with the blue turf as the motivation, while the new kits have been sent to national camps for player review.

The change ends a long-standing association between India’s national side and the colour blue. Hockey India said the shift was intended to avoid visual conflicts with the playing surface. Players and coaches together selected orange from the national tricolour as the replacement, and the new saffron garments have already reached national training centres so athletes can evaluate them ahead of competition.

The governing body framed the move as a practical adjustment related to match presentation on the blue turf. Officials described the turf clash as the primary rationale for altering the kit colour, noting that visibility and contrast were central considerations. The logistical step of supplying the saffron jerseys to camps was completed to allow players to test the new outfits during training sessions.

Reaction from the hockey community has been pronounced, with criticism voiced by former internationals and supporters. The decision has prompted comments including "This is embarrassing" as some questioned abandoning the established blue identity. The intensity of the response highlights how closely supporters associate the blue kit with the national team’s image.

Players and coaches were reported to have a role in selecting the new hue, choosing orange from the tricolour to represent the team on the field. The saffron kits arriving at national camps are intended for review and feedback by squad members and coaching staff. That process will determine whether the new colour meets the on-field and player preferences ahead of upcoming fixtures.

The saffron uniforms are now in the hands of players at national camps for assessment, and Hockey India’s explanation that the change addresses turf clashes has been central to its defence. The move has already sparked notable discontent among former players and fans.