Hockey India on Monday unveiled the new saffron jersey instead of their traditional blue kits for next month\u2019s FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, which triggered widespread debate, with ex-captain Viren Rasquinha publicly questioning the logic behind moving away from the team's iconic blue colours. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Moreover, Congress MP Priyanka and 1983 World Cup winner and All India Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad also criticised the change in the hockey team's jersey from blue to saffron. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Hockey India said the change originated from within the national setup following discussions with those directly involved in the team's preparations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe wish to inform you that the decision to change the uniform colour was based on support staff & players recommendations and detailed consultations with them. The primary consideration was technical. It was observed that the blue playing uniform tended to blend\/merge with the blue synthetic playing surface, which is now the standard colour of international hockey pitches. This visual similarity affected on-field clarity and visibility for the players,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The federation said the coaching staff and players explored different alternatives before arriving at the final choice for the World Cup. \u201cIn light of the above, the coaches and players suggested alternative colours such as yellow or saffron. After careful consideration, saffron was finalised,\u201d it added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While technical considerations formed the basis of the decision, Hockey India said the selected colour also carried national significance. \u201cApart from addressing the technical requirement, saffron also holds deep significance as one of the colours of our national flag, symbolising courage, sacrifice and national pride.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Responding to criticism, the federation pointed out that the national team's playing colours have changed on previous occasions depending on requirements.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While technical considerations formed the basis of the decision, Hockey India said the selected colour also carried national significance. \u201cApart from addressing the technical requirement, saffron also holds deep significance as one of the colours of our national flag, symbolising courage, sacrifice and national pride.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe present change to saffron was implemented considering both the technical feedback received from the coaches and players and the symbolic value associated with the colour being part of our National Flag,\u201d it concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n