Asian Games boxing draw: Tough medal path for Sakshi Chaudhary, Jadumani Singh

The Indian men's and women's hockey teams made headlines at the Asian Games in Kakamilgahara, Japan, by donning saffron jerseys for their opening matches against Indonesia and Uzbekistan, respectively. This decision came despite Hockey India's previous announcement that the teams would revert to their traditional blue uniforms. The color change was initially introduced by the Indian team during their participation in the World Cup held in Belgium and the Netherlands last month, sparking significant controversy.

The matter escalated into a dispute within Hockey India, with the federation's president, Dilip Tirkey, at odds with the Executive Board. Tirkey claimed the color change was implemented without the knowledge or approval of the elected leadership. However, just before the Asian Games, Tirkey clarified that the Indian teams would return to the iconic blue jersey as their primary kit, alongside white.

Initially, the IOA provided options for the team kits, with blue selected as the primary choice, and orange as the second. At the Asian Games 2026, Hockey India had approved the saffron and a combination of white and sky blue as the color options for the Indian teams' playing kits. The rationale behind the initial switch to saffron jerseys was to address visibility issues when playing on a blue turf.

Hockey India's president, Dilip Tirkey, has maintained that the color change decision is something he needs to clarify personally. The Indian hockey teams have traditionally worn blue jerseys since their Olympic debut in 1928, with only occasional exceptions.