Hockey India changes national jersey color to saffron

Hockey India has changed the jersey color for its men's and women's national teams from blue to saffron for the 2026 ^[1] FIH Hockey World Cup.

The decision follows a period of public backlash regarding the shift in the national team's visual identity. Because the change affects both the men's and women's squads, it represents a significant departure from the traditional blue attire used in international competitions.

Hockey India said the primary reason for the change is to improve visibility on blue synthetic pitches. The governing body explained that the previous blue jerseys clashed with the color of the playing surface, which could potentially hinder the players' and officials' ability to distinguish athletes from the pitch ^[2].

By adopting saffron, the teams will maintain a high level of contrast against the blue turf. This technical adjustment is intended to ensure that the players are clearly visible to teammates and referees during high-speed gameplay — a critical factor in the fast-paced environment of a World Cup tournament ^[3].

The transition comes as the national teams prepare for the 2026 ^[1] global tournament. While the color change sparked a row among some supporters, the organization maintained that the move was a practical necessity for the athletes' performance on the field ^[4].

Officials emphasized that the visibility of the players is paramount for fair officiating and tactical execution. The saffron hue provides a distinct visual break from the synthetic blue surfaces that have become the standard for elite international hockey matches ^[2].