Ex-India captain Viren Rasquinha blasts saffron jersey for Hockey World Cup: This is embarrassing

Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has strongly criticised Hockey India’s decision to replace the national team’s iconic blue jersey with a predominantly saffron kit ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, calling the move “embarrassing” and questioning the logic behind the colour change.

Rasquinha, one of India’s most respected former internationals, voiced his disappointment in a post on X, even as he acknowledged the progress Hockey India has made in recent years.

“I must say that @TheHockeyIndia has done many good things for Indian hockey. But this is embarrassing. The legacy & identity of the Indian team has always been BLUE. I wore the Blue jersey with pride for many years. Fans want to see our Indian team in blue. What is the logic of orange?”

His remarks have resonated strongly, given his stature in Indian hockey. The former midfielder was a key member of India’s 2001 FIH Junior World Cup-winning team before going on to captain the senior national side. He represented India at the 2004 Athens Olympics, featured at the 2006 Men’s Hockey World Cup, and played in the Champions Trophy, earning recognition as one of the country’s finest midfielders of his generation.

INDIA ENTER FINAL PHASE OF WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS

The jersey debate comes at a time when India are entering the decisive stage of their preparations for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. Under head coach Craig Fulton, the team has focused on tactical refinement, mental conditioning and high-performance training to maximise its chances at the tournament.

As part of those preparations, the squad recently travelled to Switzerland for a three-day high-intensity camp led by renowned mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton.

Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, India will head into the World Cup with a full-strength squad after encouraging performances during the latter stages of the FIH Pro League.

With the World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands fast approaching, Hockey India has shifted its focus to fine-tuning penalty corners, sharpening set-piece routines and ensuring the players reach peak physical condition. The team will be hoping those preparations help end India’s long wait for a World Cup medal, with their only title coming back in 1975.

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