Former India captain Viren Rasquinha has expressed doubts over Hockey India’s move to replace the blue jersey with an orange jersey for the upcoming FIH Men’s and Women’s Hockey World Cups 2026.
Hockey India recently revealed the new jerseys ahead of the international events, with the World Cup for both men and women to be hosted in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30.
In response to this new design, Rasquinha tweeted and commented his disappointment over the Indian hockey team’s identity being tied to the colour “blue”.
“This is embarrassing! I must state that Hockey India has done some wonderful things for India, but this is the logic that they should be BLUE, I wore the Blue jersey with pride for many years, the Indian team has a heritage and identity of blue, what is the reason for ORANGE?”, he added on X.
India’s male side has, however, been put in Pool D with England and Wales and Pakistan. Last winning the Hockey World Cup in their 50 years in a row is something the team will be looking to do after winning its last tournament in 1975.
The India women’s team, meanwhile, will kick start their campaign against China ahead of their clash with South Africa and England in the group stage.
Captain Salima Tete has said the team is well trained and ready to fulfill their duties and make the nation proud in this World Cup.