New Delhi, July 30: Former Indian hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has strongly criticized the decision to change the Indian hockey team’s jersey color from blue to saffron. He condemned Hockey India’s choice to introduce orange jerseys for both the men’s and women’s national teams ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. Rasquinha stated that this move goes against the team’s long-standing identity. In response, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra spoke to reporters outside Parliament.
She remarked, “Whether they change the uniform or attempt to rewrite history through education policy, the youth of this country have made their opinions clear. You saw what the youth gathered at Jantar Mantar were saying. That is the voice of the nation.”
Gandhi emphasized, “The struggle for India’s independence was based on non-violence and truth, and the RSS had no role in it. The entire nation knows this truth, and those who were unaware are beginning to understand their intentions.” She noted that the Congress party, under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership, spearheaded that movement, and the essence of this country resides in non-violence, truth, and brotherhood.
The Congress leader asserted that despite political or ideological attempts, the fundamental values of the country cannot be erased. “It doesn’t matter what they do or whether they spread violence or hatred. Ultimately, the soul of this country is about brotherhood and unity. No one can take that away,” she stated.
According to Hockey India, the saffron color symbolizes “courage, sacrifice, and victory,” inspired by the Indian national flag and the rising sun. The jersey features Mandala-inspired patterns celebrating India’s cultural heritage, deep navy blue sections representing progress, peace, and focus, and a modern rendition of the Ashoka Chakra on the chest symbolizing strength, unity, and movement.
The design also includes tricolor piping on the shoulders and edges, stylishly written “India” in Devanagari script, and branding that acknowledges Odisha’s long-standing support for Indian hockey. Hockey India stated that the jersey reflects the spirit of “One India, Great India.”
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