Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey didn't approve jersey colour change for World Cup 2026, demands explanation

The blue to saffron switch of India hockey team's World Cup jersey has become a topic of national debate. After widespread criticism, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey on July 31 sent two separate emails, seeking an explanation over why the change wasn't discussed before implementation. He has sought a detailed account from officials of how the approval process was carried out.

India captain Harmanpreet Singh has already said that he wasn't aware of the jersey change either. Meanwhile, former goalkeeper PR Sreejesh dismissed visibility issues due to blue jersey blending with the blue turf.

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While the jersey change has become a topic of political debate, Tirkey said he doesn't have a problem with saffron colour but wonders why he wasn't informed or consulted about it.

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“This decision appears to have been taken and implemented without being placed before the Executive Board for discussion and without my prior knowledge,” Tirkey said as quoted by The Indian Express.

“My concern is not with the choice of saffron itself. However, a decision of this significance, involving the identity and representation of our national team, should ideally have been discussed with the elected leadership and the Executive Board before implementation.”

Tirkey further revealed that the Odisha government has sought an explanation from him over the jersey colour change as well. The Odisha government wants an answer at the earliest. 

Tirkey wants the elected leadership and Executive Board to be in conversation before such decisions are finalised. He wants the process to be transparent.

India’s schedule for men and women’s Hockey World Cup 2026

Meanwhile, Harmanpreet-led India will begin their World Cup 2026 campaign on August 15. Belgium and Netherlands are co-hosts of the mega event. India men's team has been placed in Group D alongside Wales, Pakistan and England. India's campaign opener is against Wales on August 19. Then, they face England on August 17. The high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan will take place on August 19.

Salima Tete-led women's squad have been placed in Pool D alongside China, South Africa and England. India face China on August 16. Their next game is against England on August 17. The last Pool D match between India and England.