Viren Rasquinha criticises Hockey India’s saffron jersey switch before 2026 World Cup

Ex-India captain Viren Rasquinha has sharply criticised Hockey India’s decision to introduce a saffron kit ahead of the 2026 Hockey World Cup, calling the change "This is embarrassing". The comments were published on July 30, 2026, in a report by India Today Sports.

Rasquinha, who served as captain of the Indian men’s hockey team during his playing career, voiced his disapproval of the uniform alteration in the run-up to the global tournament. The remarks targeted Hockey India’s choice to move to a saffron-coloured jersey for the national side ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The published report included Rasquinha’s direct comment, which has since been circulated in coverage of the story.

The criticism centres on the timing and nature of the kit change, coming as preparations continue for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. Rasquinha’s succinct assessment — "This is embarrassing" — was quoted in the article without additional elaboration from him in that piece. The report appeared on July 30, 2026, and carried an accompanying photograph of Rasquinha.

Hockey India has implemented the saffron jersey as part of the team’s attire for the upcoming tournament cycle, a move that prompted responses from former players and observers. Rasquinha’s statement singled out the decision in plain terms, reflecting his displeasure. The published coverage places his view alongside factual reporting of the jersey change ahead of the World Cup.

Media outlets relayed the exchange and noted the timing of the criticism relative to the event calendar for the 2026 World Cup. The report’s presentation of Rasquinha’s words preserved the direct quote and attribution in full. No further comments from Rasquinha or an official response from Hockey India were included in the cited piece.

Rasquinha’s remark has now entered the public record as part of the reportage on the kit alteration before the 2026 Hockey World Cup. The comment and the circumstances of the jersey switch remain matters documented in the July 30, 2026, India Today Sports article.