Change in jersey colour suggested by players and support staff due to visibility issues: Dilip Tirkey
New Delhi, July 30
Hockey India President Dilip Kumar Tirkey on Thursday explained the decision to change the Indian men's and women's hockey teams' jersey colour from blue to orange for the FIH World Cup, saying the change was suggested by players, coaches and support staff due to visibility issues on the blue hockey turf.
Hockey India on Monday unveiled the new saffron jersey instead of their traditional blue kits for next month's FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, which triggered widespread debate, with ex-captain Viren Rasquinha publicly questioning the logic behind moving away from the team's iconic blue colours.
Speaking to IANS, Tirkey said the team had suggested two colour options, yellow and orange, with orange eventually selected as it is also represented in the Indian national flag.
"The change from blue to orange was made on the recommendation of the players, coaching staff, and support staff... Technically, when the team plays on blue turf, the blue jersey creates visibility-related issues. That is why two colours, saffron and yellow, were shortlisted. The players and coaches chose saffron, as it is one of the colours of the national flag."
He insisted that the decision was taken based on technical reasons and urged not to create unnecessary issues out of it. "There is a technical reason behind the move to the saffron jersey, so it is better not to make an unnecessary issue out of it.
The team's jersey colour has been changed in several tournaments in the past as well. In 2014, the team played in yellow jerseys, while in 2018, the team played in sky blue jerseys.
Tirkey further said Hockey India would consider the players' preference, and the jersey colour can be changed in the future based on players' preference.
"If after or during the World Cup, the team or players do not feel comfortable with the orange colour, which was introduced based on their own request, we can definitely change it in the future to a colour that the team prefers," he said.
FIH Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups, which are scheduled to begin on August 14 and 15, respectively, in the Netherlands and Belgium.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I get the technical reason, but I'll miss the iconic blue jersey. That blue colour is associated with so many glorious moments for Indian hockey. Still, if it helps the players see each other better on the blue turf, then it's a smart move. Hope the orange brings us luck at the World Cup! 🏑
A technical change based on player feedback? Perfectly fine. But let's not forget – jersey colour doesn't win matches; skill and strategy do. The real worry should be our team's preparation and form. I hope this change doesn't distract from the actual hockey! 🏑
This is a great example of listening to the players! The fact that two colours were shortlisted and the team chose saffron shows democratic decision-making. Plus, saffron being a colour of our national flag is a beautiful touch. I'm excited to see our athletes in orange! 🧡
Makes total sense technically. In many sports, teams change jersey colours for better visibility against the background. The Netherlands often wear orange too. India going orange is pragmatic. Respect to Tirkey for explaining clearly.
I understand the technical reason, but I feel Hockey India should have consulted fans before making such a change. The blue jersey is part of our hockey identity. However, if it helps the players perform better, I'll support it. Just hope they revert to blue after the World Cup! 🤞
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