Hockey India Chief Says Board Not Consulted on Jersey
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey says the saffron jersey decision for the FIH World Cup was taken without Executive Board discussion or his knowledge.
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Jul 31, 2026 • 5:00 PM Last Edited By:IANS
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“Hockey India Chief Says Board Not Consulted on Jersey”
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31 Jul 2026
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Hockey India Chief Says Board Not Consulted on Jersey
New Delhi, July 31 — Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey on Friday wrote to senior office-bearers and Executive Board members questioning the decision to change the national team’s traditional blue jersey to saffron for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup, stating that the move was implemented without being placed before the Board for discussion and without his prior knowledge.
In an email addressed to the Executive Board, a screenshot of which circulated on social media, Tirkey said: “I wish to bring to your attention the recent change in the colour of the Indian national team’s jersey. This decision appears to have been taken and implemented without being placed before the Executive Board for discussion and without my prior knowledge.”
He clarified that his objection was not to the choice of saffron itself but to the process followed. “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,” he wrote.
Tirkey noted that the change had attracted media attention and political interpretation. “The matter has since attracted considerable media attention and, unfortunately, political interpretation in certain quarters. With the World Cup approaching, I have publicly clarified that the change was purely a sporting decision so that the focus remains on the team and its preparations.”
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, whose state has been a long-term sponsor of Indian hockey, had also criticised the switch to saffron, describing it as an attempt to politicise a national sporting symbol.
Tirkey further stated that the Odisha government had sought an explanation. “I have also been asked by the Government of Odisha to provide clarification regarding this matter. I therefore request the concerned Hockey India officials to provide me with a written clarification at the earliest, outlining the basis for the decision, the process followed, and the circumstances under which the change was approved and implemented. This will enable me to respond appropriately and accurately.”
He concluded by emphasising the need for proper consultation on matters affecting the national team. “More importantly, this matter highlights the need to ensure that significant decisions concerning the national team are brought before the elected leadership and Executive Board for due consultation and collective consideration. I raise this not to attribute blame, but to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to our established decision-making processes going forward.”
In a separate communication directed to Hockey India Executive Director Commander Srivastava, Tirkey instructed that a detailed note on the jersey change be circulated to all Executive Board members by 5 p.m. on July 31. The note was to cover the background and rationale for the change, the authority under which the decision was taken, the process followed and the persons involved, whether any consultation had occurred with the President, the Board, current or former players, coaches or other stakeholders, and the reasons why neither the President nor the Executive Board was informed or consulted before the public announcement.
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