‘How did Hockey India executive board not know?’ Congress questions govt over saffron jersey row

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the change of the Indian men's hockey team's jersey color from blue to saffron, claiming it was done without the approval of the Hockey India executive board.

The new jersey was announced on July 27 ahead of the World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium starting August 15.

Kharge described the decision as 'deeply connected' to the sentiments of millions of Indians and the country's sporting traditions, noting the team's traditional nicknames like 'Men in Blue'.

Hockey India defended the design, citing consultations with players and staff, but the president claimed no prior knowledge of the decision.