India’s hockey teams are set to return to their familiar blue colours at the 2026 Asian Games, ending the temporary shift to saffron that attracted considerable attention during the Hockey World Cup.
The Indian hockey team’s jersey colour is changing again.
After Hockey India opted for a saffron primary kit for the Hockey World Cup, the national team is expected to wear its traditional blue jersey as its first-choice kit at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, according to reports.
The decision comes after the saffron kit became the subject of debate among fans and former players, particularly because blue has traditionally been strongly associated with Indian hockey.
Why Did India Switch to Saffron?
Hockey India’s decision to use saffron as the primary colour for the World Cup was linked to a practical issue involving the playing surface.
The federation had explained that the previous blue kit could visually blend into the blue synthetic hockey pitch, potentially making it harder to distinguish the players during matches.
As a result, alternative colours were considered, with yellow and saffron among the options suggested by the coaching staff and players.
Saffron was eventually selected as the main colour.
Hockey India also said that changing the team’s playing colours was not without precedent. India had previously used different colour combinations, including yellow at the 2014 FIH Hockey World Cup and a sky-blue design at the 2018 edition.
Saffron Jersey Triggered Debate
The decision to move away from the traditional blue jersey generated criticism before the World Cup.
Former India men’s hockey captain Viren Rasquinha questioned the move, while Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey later said the federation’s elected leadership and Executive Board had not been aware of the decision when it was taken.
That added another layer to the debate surrounding the team’s World Cup kit.
Hockey India, however, maintained that the colour change was driven primarily by the need to improve visibility on the playing surface rather than by any permanent change to the national team’s identity.
Blue Will Be India’s First Choice at Asian Games
For the Asian Games, Hockey India has indicated that blue will once again be the primary colour.
HI treasurer Shekar Manoharan said the Indian Olympic Association asked the federation to submit its preferred kit colours for the continental competition.
Hockey India selected:
- Primary colour: Blue
- Secondary colour: Saffron
Dilip Tirkey also reiterated that the saffron kit used at the World Cup was never intended to become India’s permanent playing colour.
The return to blue means fans are likely to see the familiar Indian hockey identity back on the field in Japan.
Who Decides the Asian Games Kits?
The kit arrangements for major multi-sport events such as the Asian Games, Olympics and Commonwealth Games differ from those for standalone hockey tournaments.
According to Hockey India officials, the kits for these multi-sport competitions are designed through the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
The IOA seeks colour preferences from individual sports federations before finalising the kits.
Hockey India therefore said its decision to select blue as the preferred colour for the Asian Games was part of that process and should not necessarily be viewed as a direct response to the controversy surrounding the World Cup jersey.
Why Was Saffron Chosen for the World Cup?
Hockey India’s explanation for selecting saffron had both technical and symbolic elements.
Once the team identified the need for an alternative colour to avoid visual similarities with the pitch, players and coaches suggested options including yellow and saffron.
Saffron was ultimately chosen because it is one of the colours featured on India’s national flag.
The federation also associated the colour with values such as courage, sacrifice and national pride.
India Hockey Jersey: Blue vs Saffron
| Competition | Primary Kit Colour | Reason/Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Hockey World Cup | Saffron | Alternative to blue because of pitch visibility concerns |
| 2026 Asian Games | Blue | Hockey India’s first preference |
| Asian Games secondary colour | Saffron | Listed as the second preference |
Why the Asian Games Matter for India
The jersey debate comes at a time when the Indian hockey teams have an important tournament ahead.
The 2026 Asian Games will be a major opportunity for India to compete for continental honours while also pursuing qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
With the stakes high, the focus for the players will ultimately be on performances rather than kit colours.
For supporters, however, the return of the traditional blue is likely to be welcomed after the controversy surrounding the saffron World Cup jersey.
Is Saffron Gone Completely?
Not necessarily.
Hockey India’s Asian Games preference lists saffron as the secondary colour, meaning it remains part of the team’s kit options.
The federation has also made it clear that the World Cup switch to saffron was not intended to permanently replace blue.
Therefore, the latest decision is better understood as a return to the traditional primary colour for the Asian Games rather than the complete removal of saffron from India’s hockey kits.
Bottom Line
India’s hockey team is set to return to blue as its preferred jersey colour at the 2026 Asian Games, while saffron will remain the secondary choice.
The change follows the decision to use saffron as the primary colour during the Hockey World Cup, a move that prompted discussion among former players, officials and supporters.
With the Asian Games also carrying major significance for LA 2028 Olympic qualification, India’s attention will now turn toward the competition itself.
For Indian hockey fans, though, one thing is clear: the traditional blue is back as India’s first-choice colour.
