Former India hockey captain questions new orange jersey for FIH World Cup
New Jersey Unveiling Sparks Debate
Viren Rasquinha, a former captain of the India hockey team and an Olympian, has publicly questioned the decision by Hockey India to introduce an orange-coloured jersey for the national team. His comments follow the recent unveiling of new uniforms for both the senior men’s and women’s teams, which are set to compete in the upcoming FIH Men’s and Women’s Hockey World Cups. Rasquinha highlighted that the team’s historical identity and legacy have consistently been associated with the colour blue.
The new jerseys, which feature saffron (kesariya) as the primary colour, mark a departure from the traditional blue worn by Indian athletes across various sports. While the shade of blue has sometimes varied, the base colour for the hockey team has remained consistent over the years. This change has surprised many, including Rasquinha.
Rasquinha’s Concerns and Hockey India’s Explanation
Rasquinha expressed his disappointment on X, stating, “I must say that the Hockey India has done many good things for Indian hockey, 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?” He emphasized his pride in wearing the blue jersey during his playing career and noted the strong association fans have with the blue colour.
On July 27, Hockey India released a video on social media to explain the design elements of the new jersey. The video, accompanied by a patriotic song from Bollywood singer Sukhwinder Singh, detailed the symbolism behind the chosen colours and patterns. The saffron colour, for instance, is said to symbolise courage, sacrifice, and victory, drawing inspiration from the Indian national flag and the rising sun to reflect new beginnings.
Other design elements include mandala-inspired patterns, which celebrate India’s cultural heritage. A deep navy blue accent, inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, symbolises progress, peace, and focus. The chest graphic features a modern interpretation of the Sudarshan Chakra, representing strength, unity, and momentum. Additionally, tricolour piping in saffron, white, and green along the shoulders and sides reinforces national pride. The word “India” is written in stylised Devanagari script, celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity. The jersey also highlights Odisha‘s commitment to Indian hockey, with the phrase “Odisha: think India, think Odisha.” The overall design is intended to embody the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Supreme India).
Upcoming World Cup Challenges
Despite the detailed explanation, Rasquinha’s primary concern remains the colour choice. He is not questioning other aspects of the jersey’s design but rather the shift away from the traditional blue. This sentiment is understandable, as both players and fans are accustomed to seeing Indian athletes in blue uniforms.
The men’s FIH World Cup is scheduled to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30. The India men’s team has been placed in Pool D, alongside England, Wales, and Pakistan. The men’s team previously won the event in 1975, defeating Pakistan 2-1 in the final, and has not claimed a World Cup title in the last 50 years. After finishing ninth in the 2023 edition held in Bhubaneswar, the team aims for gold this year, building on recent successes that include two consecutive Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup title, and two Asian Champions Trophy wins.
The women’s FIH World Cup is scheduled from August 15 to 30. The India women’s team will commence their campaign against China on August 16, followed by matches against South Africa and England, also in Pool D. Captain Salima Tete expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, stating that the squad is looking forward to the challenge and aims to carry their training momentum into the practice matches and the World Cup.
The FIH World Cup for both men’s and women’s teams will conclude on August 30.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Priya Menon 