India to Return to Blue Kits at Asian Games 2026 After Saffron Controversy: Hockey India
- India's hockey teams will wear their traditional blue jerseys at the 2026 Asian Games, reversing a controversial switch to saffron kits.
- Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey confirmed that the saffron kit change was made without the federation's approval and that blue is the preferred primary colour.
- The Asian Games are important for India's hockey teams as they offer a pathway to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- Saffron may remain as an alternate jersey, but the primary focus will return to blue, reflecting strong emotional ties to the iconic colour.
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Hockey India has reversed its previous decision and has once again chosen blue as the team's jersey colour for the Asian Games 2026, hence Indian players will be seen playing in blue jerseys in the upcoming tournament.
India hockey brings back blue after saffron controversy
The Indian hockey teams are reverting to their traditional blue jerseys for the upcoming Asian Games after facing significant criticism for a previous shift to saffron. This decision follows internal discord within Hockey India, with its president, Dilip Tirkey, stating the saffron kit change was not permanent and lacked proper federation approval. The Asian Games are crucial for Olympic qualification.
‘Back to blue’: Hockey India reverses saffron jersey decision for Asian Games after World Cup uproar
Hockey India has made a noteworthy change, reverting to the classic blue kits for both the men's and women's teams ahead of the Asian Games. This decision comes after considerable criticism regarding the earlier saffron jersey plan. With the stakes high for Olympic qualification, the teams will prioritise blue, though saffron will still serve as a secondary choice if needed.
Indian Hockey Team to Return to Iconic Blue Jersey for Asian Games 2026 After Saffron Kit Controversy | 🏆 LatestLY
After a contentious period with saffron as their primary kit, the Indian Men's and Women's National Hockey Teams are returning to their iconic blue jerseys for the Asian Games 2026. This decision, announced today, September 8, 2026, ends a widespread debate and reconnects the teams with their rich legacy. 🏆 Indian Hockey Team to Return to Iconic Blue Jersey for Asian Games 2026 After Saffron Kit Controversy.
India to opt for blue home kits at Asian Games 2026: Hockey India
There was plenty of furore over Hockey India’s (HI) decision to change its long-standing colour from blue to saffron, which the teams sported in the recently-concluded Asian Games in the Netherlands and Belgium.
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