"What is logic of orange?": Former hockey skipper Viren Rasquinha questions colours of new India jersey
New Delhi, July 30
Former India hockey captain and Olympian Viren Rasquinha questioned Hockey India's decision to have the national team wear an orange jersey, saying the team's identity and legacy have always been associated with the colour blue.
The former Olympian's remarks came after Hockey India unveiled the new jerseys for the senior men's and women's teams on July 27, ahead of the upcoming FIH Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups.
The men's tournament is scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30, while the women's tournament will take place from August 15 to 30.
Expressing his disappointment on X, Viren wrote, "I must say that @TheHockeyIndia has done many good things for (hockey emotes). But this is embarrassing. The legacy & identity of the Indian team has always been BLUE. I wore the Blue jersey with pride for many years. Fans want to see our Indian team in blue. What is the logic of orange?"
India was drawn in Pool D along with England, Wales and arch-rivals Pakistan. Having won the 1975 edition by beating Pakistan 2-1 in the final, the World Cup glory has eluded India for the last 50 years.
Having registered a ninth-place finish in the 2023 edition held at Bhubaneswar, India will be aiming to bring the gold home, riding on the back of the momentum of two back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup title win, two Asian Champions Trophy wins and an Asia Cup gold.
India women's side will begin its campaign against China on 16 August, followed by matches against South Africa and England in Pool D.
Ahead of the team's departure, captain Salima Tete expressed confidence in the team's preparations and said, "The entire squad is looking forward to the challenge ahead. We've had a good training block, and now it's about carrying that momentum into the practice matches and then the World Cup. Facing China in our opening game will be an important test, and we want to start the tournament on a positive note. As a team, we are determined to give our best and make the country proud."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I think we're overthinking this. Yes, blue is iconic, but India has historically worn many colors - white, blue, even green. If orange brings us luck or sponsorship money, why not? Focus on winning World Cup, not jersey color. Though I do agree with Viren that fan connection matters.
As someone who grew up watching Dhanraj Pillay and Dilip Tirkey in blue, this feels wrong. 😕 Orange is for Netherlands or South Africa. Hockey India should have consulted players before making such change. We have brand new World Cup campaigns starting, last thing we need is controversy about jersey color. Hope common sense prevails.
Respectful disagreement with Viren here - Indian hockey needs modernization, both in strategy and branding. Orange is bold and energetic, reflects young team's spirit. But I'd suggest Hockey India should have explained reasoning more transparently. Acknowledging legacy while explaining change would've avoided this confusion. Go India! 🏑
I'm with Viren 100%. Blue is not just a color for Indian hockey - it's our identity. When I see blue jersey, I think of our Olympic bronze medals, of Tokyo 2020 heroics. Why create unnecessary distraction before crucial World Cup? Hope Hockey India reverses this decision. Fans deserve their team in blue. 🙏
Orange is fine for alternative kit but blue must remain primary. Look at cricket - Indian team experiments with different colored jerseys but blue is always our core identity. Hockey India needs to listen to its Olympians who built
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