Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticised the government's decision to replace the Indian men's hockey team's traditional blue jerseys with saffron, describing the change as a political experiment that ignores public sentiment and long‑standing sporting traditions.
For decades the squad has been known as the "Men in Blue", "The Blues" and "The Blue Tigers", a moniker that reflects both the team's on‑field identity and its deep cultural resonance. The shift to saffron marks the first time the colour will dominate the side's kit in a major tournament.
The new jerseys are slated to be worn during the upcoming World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, which begins on August 15. According to Hockey India, the design was finalised after extensive consultations with players and was intended to "tell a story" and carry "India's pride".
Hockey India explained that saffron symbolizes courage, sacrifice and victory, attributes the federation hopes to convey on the world stage. The federation added that the colour change was part of a broader narrative rather than a mere aesthetic choice.
Political Reactions
Kharge warned that altering national symbols without broad consensus sets a troubling precedent, pointing to recent changes in road pavements, parliamentary dress codes and the Doordarshan logo as examples of unilateral decisions. He questioned how the jersey decision was made without the knowledge of Hockey India's Executive Board and demanded a clear explanation.
The criticism extends beyond the jersey itself. Kharge linked the move to the broader symbolism of the Indian tricolour, noting that saffron, white and green feature prominently in the Congress flag, and accusing the government of embedding ideological imprints on national emblems. He referenced the RSS's historical opposition to the tricolour as part of the context for his concerns.