India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams wear predominantly saffron kits in the early Asian Games matches, despite prior assurances from Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey that teams would return to blue. Times of India reports that the first-choice kits reportedly feature mostly white with light-blue accents, reviving the broader jersey debate. Free Press Journal reports that both teams wore saffron in their opening games.
The dispute follows India’s switch to saffron at the FIH World Cup earlier this year, which drew criticism because it was handled amid internal disagreements within Hockey India. Free Press Journal says the decision created tension in Hockey India’s leadership, with claims that saffron was introduced without approval from the elected body and executive leadership. It also cites a rationale based on visibility, saying blue kits may blend with the playing surface and that the Asian Games kit plan includes saffron along with white and sky-blue combinations.
Across outlets, the central context is the mismatch between earlier statements about kit colours and what the teams actually wear. Times of India also adds that attempts to adjust kits were reportedly hindered by sponsor coordination and team travel schedules, while Free Press Journal focuses more on internal governance and approval questions.
