New Delhi: The Indian hockey team could return to its traditional blue kit for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, according to Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey. Addressing the controversy surrounding the recent switch to an orange uniform during the FIH Men’s and Women’s Hockey World Cups in Belgium and the Netherlands, Tirkey clarified that orange was never intended as a permanent colour scheme and was not adopted under external political pressure.
The sudden uniform overhaul prior to the World Cups had drawn substantial criticism from prominent sporting figures and political leaders, including former national team captain Viren Rasquinha and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Tirkey dismissed speculation regarding mandatory colour mandates, emphasizing that the federation retains flexibility over team apparel and could reintroduce the iconic blue strip when the continental competition gets underway from September 19 to October 4.
The announcement follows contrasting outcomes for India’s national squads at the World Cup. The women’s team, captained by Salima Tete, secured a historic fifth-place finish—their strongest showing since 1974—capping off the campaign with a 3–1 victory over fifth-ranked Germany in the classification fixture at Amstelveen, alongside commendable draws against Australia, England, and China. Tirkey praised the women’s collective grit against top-tier opponents, noting that their spirited run has substantially boosted morale and raised podium expectations for the Asian Games.
Conversely, the men’s squad, led by Harmanpreet Singh, concluded their World Cup run in eighth position following a 4–3 penalty shootout loss to co-hosts Belgium in Wavre after a 3–3 stalemate in regulation time. Despite acknowledging defensive lapses during key defeats to Argentina, England, and the Netherlands, Tirkey commended the players’ physical endurance and mental resilience, expressing confidence that the unit has addressed tactical shortcomings ahead of the Asian showpiece.
The remarks coincided with an official send-off ceremony hosted in New Delhi by the Indian Olympic Association for the country’s continental contingent. The event brought together athletes, coaches, and sports administrators, with Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association president P. T. Usha in attendance to extend their support to the travelling delegation.
