Amidst the controversy around the change of Indian hockey teams’ jersey, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has made it clear that the decision could well be reversed or changed after review.
“Changes have been made earlier also and this is also not something permanent. We will review feedback from players and staff after the World Cup, discuss the pros and cons of it and then make an informed decision over the future course of action. Whatever helps the teams to perform better will be done. But any changes – whether going back to the previously existing uniforms or something different – will only be done unanimously and with the full approval of everyone in the Executive Board and the team,” Tirkey told Sportstar late on Friday.
The new saffron-coloured jerseys have triggered a backlash from former players and fans alike and threatens to turn into a political slugfest even as it brought the internal divisions within Hockey India to the fore. Earlier in the day, Tirkey had dissociated himself from the decision and wrote to the Executive Board claiming he had no knowledge of the same.
ALSO READ | India hockey’s saffron jersey divides opinion: Former captains question move, Harmanpreet backs it
“This decision appears to have been taken and implemented without being placed before the EB for discussion and without my prior knowledge….I have also been asked by the government of Odisha to provide clarification regarding this matter. I therefore request the concerned HI officials to provide me with a written clarification, outlining the basis of the decision, the process followed and the circumstances under which the change was approved and implemented,” he wrote.
Tirkey also wrote to HI Director General Cdr. RK Srivastava seeking a detailed response on the same. He, however, admitted in his mail that he had publicly clarified that the change was purely a sporting decision only to ensure the teams’ focus remained on preparing for the upcoming World Cup.
In response, Srivastava defended the move but the key argument indicates that the EB was indeed not consulted or informed. “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,” Srivastava wrote, giving credence to the claim that the decision was not discussed widely before implementation.
Detailing the process of change, he replied, “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).”
Published on Jul 31, 2026
