Hockey Jersey Row : I strongly condemn this attempt by BJP Odisha to politicise a national game like hockey. It has deeply hurt the sentiments of lakhs of sports lovers across the country and the pride with which Odisha has supported the national hockey- Naveen Patnaik, Former Five-Time Odisha Chief Minister

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BJD president and former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaikhas  expressed “anguish” over the change of colour of the Indian hockey team’s jersey to saffron from traditional blue.

The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams will be seen in saffron jerseys instead of their traditional blue kits at next month’s FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Presenting the new India jersey! 🇮🇳

Every stitch tells a story. Every pattern, every colour carries India’s pride.

Our teams are ready to once again do the country proud at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.

🎥: Select 2 (SD+HD)+ Khel & JioHotstar
🗓️: August… pic.twitter.com/8GvwbByapq

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) July 27, 2026

The Odisha government became the sponsor of the Indian hockey team about a decade ago when Patnaik was the chief minister of the state.

“I am deeply anguished to know that the legendary colour of the Indian hockey team’s jersey has been changed to saffron,” Patnaik said in a long post on X after Hockey India unveiled the new jersey on its social media pages.

Unveiling the new jersey on its social media pages, Hockey India said the design and colour of the jersey is meant to “tell a story” and carry “India’s pride”.

I am deeply anguished to know that the legendary colour of the Indian hockey team’s jersey has been changed to saffron. The iconic shade of blue of the Indian hockey team is not just a colour. It is an emotion associated with the nation’s sporting heritage.

For decades, this… pic.twitter.com/4cgXOvpxdJ

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 30, 2026

HI said saffron symbolises courage, sacrifice and victory.

“Inspired by the Indian national flag and the rising sun, it reflects new beginnings,” HI stated.

The Significance of the Blue Jersey

While expressing concern over the change, Patnaik said, “The iconic shade of blue of the Indian hockey team is not just a colour. It is an emotion associated with the nation’s sporting heritage. For decades, this colour united us in hope, in victory, in defeat and in the pursuit of sporting excellence.”