Everything that happened in Saffron Hockey Jersey Controversy

BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty criticized BJP for changing Indian hockey team's jersey color from blue to saffron.

Mohanty called the move 'unfortunate' and alleged political pressure by the government on sports bodies.

Former CM Naveen Patnaik also condemned the jersey color change.

Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha criticized Hockey India's decision to replace the team's iconic blue jersey with saffron ahead of the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

Rasquinha called the jersey change 'embarrassing' and questioned its necessity.

Hockey India stated the new saffron color symbolizes 'courage, sacrifice & victory' and represents new beginnings.

India's men's and women's teams will begin their World Cup campaigns in Group D.

Hockey India changed the jersey color to saffron for the 2026 World Cup.

The change aims to improve visibility on blue synthetic pitches.

The announcement came after backlash over the color alteration.

Both men's and women's hockey teams will wear the new jerseys.

Hockey India issued a statement clarifying the reason for the change.

Opposition leaders criticized the saffron jersey for Indian hockey teams, accusing BJP and RSS of ideological manipulation.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the change reflects an attempt to reshape institutions and history.

Congress MP Amar Singh warned that the Army uniform could be altered next, alleging BJP wants saffron everywhere.

Congress leader Tariq Anwar called the jersey controversy a sign of BJP's narrow-minded ideology.

Hockey India unveiled the saffron jersey for men's and women's teams ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup.

Naveen Patnaik, former Odisha Chief Minister, criticized the change in India's hockey jersey color from blue to something else.

He compared the blue jersey's significance to iconic national sports colours.

He warned that altering the jersey color risks damaging India's sporting legacy and unity.