Key Highlights

• Former India captain Viren Rasquinha has criticised Hockey India's new predominantly saffron jersey for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
• Rasquinha said the Indian hockey team's identity has always been linked to its iconic blue jersey.
• He questioned the rationale behind replacing the traditional blue kit with an orange-saffron design.
• The debate comes as India intensifies preparations for the FIH Hockey World Cup under head coach Craig Fulton.
• Harmanpreet Singh will lead the Indian team into the tournament.

Viren Rasquinha Questions Jersey Change

Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has criticised Hockey India over its decision to introduce a predominantly saffron jersey for the FIH Hockey World Cup.

Reacting to the new kit on X, Rasquinha expressed disappointment over moving away from the team's traditional blue colours.

He wrote that while Hockey India has made several positive contributions to the sport, replacing the iconic blue jersey was "embarrassing" and questioned the logic behind adopting an orange-saffron design.

According to Rasquinha, the blue jersey has long represented the identity and legacy of the Indian men's hockey team.

Blue Jersey and Team Identity

For decades, India's national hockey teams have primarily competed in blue kits, making the colour closely associated with the country's sporting identity.

Rasquinha, who represented India in major international tournaments including the 2004 Summer Olympics and the 2006 Men's Hockey World Cup, said he wore the blue jersey with pride throughout his playing career and believes fans also identify the national team with that colour.

His remarks have sparked discussion among hockey followers regarding the significance of team colours and sporting tradition.

India Focuses on World Cup Preparations

The jersey debate comes as the Indian men's hockey team enters the final phase of preparations for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.

Under head coach Craig Fulton, the squad has been working on tactical improvements, fitness and mental conditioning ahead of the tournament.

As part of its preparations, the team recently attended a high-performance training camp in Switzerland led by renowned mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton.

India is expected to field a full-strength squad under captain Harmanpreet Singh.

India's World Cup Ambition

India heads into the World Cup hoping to end a long wait for another global title.

The country's only men's Hockey World Cup triumph came in 1975, and recent improvements in international performances have raised expectations ahead of the 2026 edition, which will be hosted in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The coaching staff has focused on refining penalty corners, set-piece execution and overall match readiness in the build-up to the tournament.

Why This Matters

The debate over India's new hockey jersey extends beyond aesthetics, touching on questions of sporting identity, tradition and fan sentiment. National team colours often become enduring symbols for athletes and supporters alike, making any significant change a topic of public discussion. As India prepares for a major international tournament, attention remains focused both on its on-field ambitions and the conversation surrounding its new kit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why has Viren Rasquinha criticised the new jersey?

He believes India's hockey team has historically been identified with its blue jersey and questioned the decision to adopt a predominantly saffron design.

Who is Viren Rasquinha?

Viren Rasquinha is a former captain of the Indian men's hockey team who represented India at the 2004 Olympics and several major international tournaments.

Who will captain India at the 2026 Hockey World Cup?

Harmanpreet Singh is expected to captain the Indian men's hockey team.

Who is India's head coach?

Craig Fulton is the current head coach of the Indian men's hockey team.

When did India last win the Hockey World Cup?

India won its only men's Hockey World Cup title in 1975.