The colour debate
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has raised questions about the Indian hockey team's decision to swap its long‑standing blue jerseys for saffron colours ahead of the World Cup scheduled to begin on August 15, 2026, in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The team, popularly known as the "Men in Blue" and the "Blue Tigers", has worn the shade of blue for decades, a colour that has become synonymous with Indian hockey's identity on the global stage.
In a statement that linked the kit change to broader national sentiment, Kharge argued that altering a colour associated with the sport's heritage is not merely a commercial or aesthetic choice but touches on tradition and collective pride.
The upcoming tournament will see the Indian side compete against top nations in a bid to reclaim a place among the world's elite, and the colour controversy has added a political dimension to the team's preparations.
While the Indian Hockey Federation has yet to comment publicly on the political remarks, the discussion underscores how sports decisions can intersect with national narratives and public perception.