The Indian women’s hockey team (Pic credit: Hockey India)

NEW DELHI: Hockey India has seemingly reversed its controversial decision to make saffron the Indian hockey teams’ primary colour, with both the men’s and women’s sides set to return to their traditional blue jerseys at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.The decision comes just weeks after the saffron kits became a major talking point at the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. Hockey India had switched from its long-standing blue jersey to saffron ahead of the tournament, citing technical concerns over visibility against the blue playing surface.However, the change sparked criticism from several former India captains and also triggered an internal controversy within the federation. Now, as the teams prepare for the Asian Games, blue will once again be the first-choice colour, with saffron retained as the secondary option.“Indian Olympic Association (IOA) asked us our preferred choice of kit and HI has given the first preference as blue, with the secondary colour being saffron,” Hockey India treasurer Shekar Manoharan said on Tuesday.

Saffron switch sparked uproar

Hockey India had announced the change on July 27, arguing that the decision was based on feedback from players and coaches. According to the federation, blue jerseys against the blue turf could affect on-field visibility, while yellow and orange had emerged as possible alternatives.Saffron was ultimately selected because of its association with the Indian national flag.The move, however, quickly became controversial. Former India captains including Pargat Singh, Dhanraj Pillay, Ajit Pal Singh and Viren Rasquinha questioned the decision to move away from a colour that had long been associated with Indian hockey.The debate intensified when Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey revealed through an internal communication that he had not been consulted over the change. Tirkey made it clear that his objection was not necessarily to saffron itself, but to the manner in which the decision was taken without being placed before the federation’s elected leadership and Executive Board.The issue also spilled into the political arena, with former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik criticising the move and alleging that the change was politically motivated.India's World Cup campaign did little to silence the debate over the technical justification. The men's team finished eighth after two wins in six matches, while the women's side produced India's best-ever finish at the tournament, securing fifth place.

Team India during the Hockey World Cup. (AP Photo)

Blue returns with Olympic qualification at stake

The return to blue comes at a crucial tournament for both teams. The Asian Games will carry added significance as India seeks qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a review meeting with the two teams' coaches, captains and Hockey India officials and urged them to put the World Cup campaigns behind them and focus on the Olympic qualification challenge.The Harmanpreet Singh-led men's side will enter the Asian Games as defending champions and chase an unprecedented fifth gold medal. The women's team, meanwhile, will be aiming to end a 44-year wait for an Asian Games title after finishing third in the 2022 edition.