Naveen Patnaik, the former Odisha chief minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president, has voiced criticism regarding the decision to change the Indian hockey team’s jersey colour from its traditional blue to saffron. Patnaik stated that this alteration has affected the sentiments of sports enthusiasts.
Both the men’s and women’s Indian hockey teams are scheduled to wear saffron jerseys, replacing their customary blue kits, at the upcoming FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. The Odisha government had previously become a sponsor of the Indian hockey team approximately a decade ago, during Patnaik’s tenure as chief minister.
Patnaik expressed his deep disappointment on social media platform X after Hockey India unveiled the new jersey. He remarked, “I am deeply anguished to know that the legendary colour of the Indian hockey team’s jersey has been changed to saffron.”
Hockey India, in unveiling the jersey, stated that its design and colour were intended to “tell a story” and embody “India’s pride.” The federation indicated that saffron symbolises courage, sacrifice, and victory. They also mentioned that the design, inspired by the Indian national flag and the rising sun, signifies new beginnings.
Patnaik highlighted the long-standing significance of the blue jersey in Indian hockey, describing it as an emotion linked with the nation’s sporting heritage. He noted that for many decades, this colour fostered unity in moments of hope, triumph, defeat, and the pursuit of sporting excellence.
Drawing a comparison to other well-known football shirts, Patnaik asserted that the blue jersey holds a similar significance for India as the iconic stripes do for Argentina or the yellow jersey for Brazil. He added that any change to this colour represents an attempt to diminish the country’s sporting legacy, stating that national symbols should unite rather than divide.
Patnaik, who served as a goalkeeper for his school hockey team, shared his personal connection to the sport, recalling moments of shared emotions with the teams in blue. He emphasised that the blue jersey represents the country and is a symbol of national pride.
He further recalled that Odisha provided support to Indian hockey when the national teams faced challenges in securing sponsors. Patnaik stated that Odisha made history by being the first and only state to back the national teams and the sport. He expressed pride among Odias globally for the state’s contribution to national hockey.
Patnaik criticised the change, stating that the national team’s colours should not be altered simply because of a change in government in Odisha, labelling it as “petty politics.” He claimed that the decision was made under pressure from the BJP government in Odisha, an assertion he believes authorities might deny, but one that he suggests is evident from the government’s focus on changing colours of various public assets over the past two years.
Patnaik condemned what he described as an attempt by BJP Odisha to politicise hockey, a national game, stating that it has deeply hurt the feelings of numerous sports enthusiasts across the country and the pride associated with Odisha’s support for national hockey.
Reactions to the Jersey Change
The shift from blue to saffron for the Indian hockey teams’ main jersey has also been questioned by former India captain Viren Rasquinha. He expressed his view on X, acknowledging Hockey India’s positive contributions but calling the jersey change embarrassing. Rasquinha highlighted that the identity and legacy of the Indian team have always been associated with blue, and fans prefer to see the team in blue.
Hockey India, however, defended its decision, stating that there is nothing political about choosing saffron, as it is a component of the Indian tricolour. A senior official from Hockey India mentioned that change is often welcomed. The official also cited practical reasons for the change, explaining that wearing a blue jersey on a blue hockey turf can create visibility issues for fans and broadcasters, as players might blend into the pitch, making them difficult to track.
The new jersey design also incorporates ‘Mandala’ inspired patterns, which are intended to celebrate India’s cultural heritage. Deep navy blue accents in the design are inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, symbolising progress, peace, and focus. The chest graphic is a modern interpretation of the Sudarshan Chakra, representing strength, unity, and momentum. Additionally, tricolour piping along the shoulders and sides aims to reinforce national pride. The word ‘INDIA’ is written on the front of the jersey in stylised ‘Devanagari’ script to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. Hockey India stated in its jersey launch video that the new design embodies the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ – One India, Supreme India.
In addition to the saffron jerseys, the Indian teams will also have white jerseys in their kits, featuring the same new design. The World Cup is scheduled to take place from August 15 to 30.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter