In response to Dilip Tirkey's mail, Hockey India clarifies saffron jersey call

Hockey India has explained the shift from blue to saffron after president Dilip Tirkey sought details of the approval process. Tirkey questioned HI officials as to why the call was made without his knowledge in the leaked emails.Tirkey got the response to his mail to the HI officials (Courtesy: Hockey India)In response to the mail from President Dilip Tirkey, Hockey India offered a clarification behind the call to take to change the national team's jersey from blue to saffron. A day after backing Hockey India's decision to replace the traditional blue jersey with a saffron kit, president and former India captain Tirkey sought an explanation from the federation over the approval process.In a letter to officials, Tirkey questioned why neither he nor the Executive Board had been formally informed before the change was finalised. Later in the day, Hockey India director general Commander R.K. Srivastava responded with a four-page letter, maintaining that the decision had been made with the consent of the office-bearers.He reiterated the federation's position that blue jerseys did not provide sufficient contrast against the blue playing surface, affecting visibility.Srivastava also said the switch followed a detailed consultation process involving the national coaching staff, the players' leadership group, technical assessments of visibility and contrast, discussions with the official kit manufacturer, and clearance from the relevant officials. “The process involved: Feedback from the national coaching staff, leadership group of players; technical review of visibility and contrast issues; design development with the kit partner; internal clearance through the appropriate officers responsible for high-performance operations and kit management. Extensive consultation took place with the current head coaches, support staff and playing group (including captains and senior athletes of both the men’s and women’s teams)," said Srivastava in the mail, according to Sportstar.The letter also cited that in the past, the executive committee wasn't considered when it came to a jersey change. “In the past also the format of jersey, including pattern/colour, has been changed only on the basis of feedback and decision of the players & coaches. Earlier also there has been no committee or any approval taken from the Executive Board. One such recent change was done in November/ December 2022,” read the statement.The decision to make the change to saffron has invited criticism from all corners. - EndsPublished On: Aug 1, 2026 03:04 IST