Overview
- Hockey India has unveiled saffron as the primary kit for the men's and women's teams and the jersey will debut at the FIH Hockey World Cup that begins on August 15, 2026.
- Federation president Dilip Tirkey has written to the Hockey India Executive Board seeking clarity on how the change was approved, highlighting internal disagreement and procedural concerns.
- Multiple media reports cite at least five current team members who said they were not consulted on the switch while senior players including Harmanpreet Singh and Hardik Singh say the change was discussed with coaches and should not distract the squad.
- Former captains and several politicians have criticised the move as an assault on India’s sporting identity or as politically charged, increasing public scrutiny of Hockey India’s decision-making.
- The dispute sits against a longer history of kit changes and practical concerns about visibility on blue Astroturf that has been used since the 2012 Olympics, and officials say FIH clearance has been or will be obtained.