Criticism over jersey colour change
Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha and president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has voiced strong criticism regarding the decision to change the Indian hockey team’s jersey from its traditional blue to saffron. He stated on Thursday that this change has deeply affected the emotions of sports fans across the country. The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams are scheduled to wear saffron jerseys instead of their customary blue kits at the upcoming FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium next month.
Hockey India unveiled the new jersey on its social media platforms, explaining that the design and colour are intended to “tell a story” and embody “India’s pride.” The federation further stated that saffron symbolises courage, sacrifice, and victory. According to Hockey India, the new jersey is “inspired by the Indian national flag and the rising sun,” reflecting new beginnings.
However, Patnaik expressed his deep anguish over the change, highlighting that the blue jersey has been an integral part of Indian hockey for decades. He described the iconic blue shade as more than just a colour, calling it an emotion linked to the nation’s sporting heritage. He noted that for many years, this colour fostered unity in moments of hope, victory, defeat, and the pursuit of sporting excellence.
Political allegations and national identity
Patnaik, who once served as a goalkeeper for his school hockey team, shared his personal connection to the sport. He recalled moments of shared national pride, laughter, and tears with the teams wearing blue. He emphasised that teams in the blue jersey have secured Olympic medals, with the national anthem playing on the world stage.
He further elaborated that the blue jersey represents the country, deriving its colour from the blue chakra in the national flag, making it a symbol of national pride and identity that belongs to every Indian. Patnaik also reminded the public that Odisha had stepped in to sponsor the Indian hockey teams approximately a decade ago when they were struggling to find financial support, a move that made every Odia proud.
Patnaik claimed that the decision to change the jersey colour was made under pressure from the BJP government in Odisha. He alleged that for the past two years, the current government has shown an “obsession” with changing the colours of various public assets like buildings, buses, and bridges. He condemned this as an attempt by BJP Odisha to politicise a national sport like hockey, asserting that it has hurt the sentiments of numerous sports enthusiasts and undermined the pride with which Odisha has supported national hockey.
Wider reactions and defence of the change
Comparing the Indian blue jersey to other iconic football shirts, Patnaik stated that it holds similar significance to Argentina’s iconic stripes or Brazil’s yellow jersey. He views any alteration to this colour as a “crass attempt to erase our priceless sporting legacy,” arguing that national symbols should unite, not divide.
The change has also drawn criticism from other prominent figures. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a Congress leader, commented on the issue in the Parliament House complex. She stated that while attempts might be made to change uniforms or history through education policy, the fundamental spirit of brotherhood and unity within the country remains unchangeable. She referenced the sentiments of youth gathered at Jantar Mantar as reflecting the country’s true voice.
Former India captain Viren Rasquinha also expressed his disapproval, calling the change “embarrassing.” He highlighted that the legacy and identity of the Indian team have always been blue, a colour he wore with pride for many years. Rasquinha questioned the logic behind choosing orange, emphasising his point on pride, identity, and legacy. Despite the criticism, the national federation has defended its decision, stating that there is nothing wrong with choosing saffron as it is a “part of our tricolour.”
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
