Leaked Email Allegedly Shows President Dilip Tirkey Was ‘Kept in Dark’ Over Hockey Team Jersey Colour Change
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has alleged in internal emails that he was 'kept in dark' about the decision to change the national hockey teams' traditional blue jerseys to saffron for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. This revelation intensifies the ongoing controversy, contradicting prior statements citing technical reasons and player consultation.
A major internal rift has erupted within Hockey India, with President Dilip Tirkey reportedly sending explosive emails alleging he was 'kept in the dark' regarding the controversial decision to switch the Indian men's and women's national hockey teams' traditional blue jerseys to saffron for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. The emails, sent on Friday, July 31, 2026, contradict earlier public statements from Hockey India and Tirkey himself, which attributed the change to technical reasons and player consultation. Hockey India Jersey Row: President Dilip Tirkey Denies Knowledge About Blue to Saffron Colour Change.
Dilip Tirkey's Email
President Seeks Explanation
In the emails, accessed by various media outlets, Tirkey, a former India captain, explicitly stated that the decision to implement the saffron jersey was made and executed 'without being placed before the Executive Board for discussion and without my prior knowledge.' He has reportedly sought a detailed written explanation from Hockey India officials, demanding clarity on the basis of the decision, the process followed, and the circumstances under which the change was approved.
This move by the Hockey India President marks a significant escalation in a controversy that began with the unveiling of the new saffron kits on July 27, 2026. While Tirkey emphasized that his concern was not with the choice of saffron itself, he stressed the importance of due process for a decision of such 'significance, involving the identity and representation of our national team.'
Contradictory Narratives Emerge
The alleged leaked emails highlight a stark contrast to previous official stances. Just a day prior, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, Hockey India, including earlier remarks from Tirkey, had largely defended the jersey change. The federation cited "technical visibility during play" on blue synthetic pitches as the primary reason, claiming the traditional blue kit tended to blend with the turf. They also stated the decision followed "detailed consultations" with players, coaches, and support staff. Why Indian Hockey Team Jersey Changed to Orange from Blue?.
However, in response to Tirkey's latest allegations, Hockey India Secretary Bhola Nath Singh has reportedly maintained that "all officials were aware" of the change.
World Cup Preparations Overshadowed
The controversy comes at a critical time, with the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 scheduled to commence on August 14 (for women) and August 15 (for men) in the Netherlands and Belgium. The dispute risks overshadowing the national teams' preparations for the prestigious tournament. Hockey India Announces 20-Man Squad for FIH Men's World Cup 2026, Harmanpreet Singh Named Captain.
Several former Indian hockey captains, including Viren Rasquinha and V. Baskaran, have already voiced strong criticism against the jersey change, questioning the abandonment of the team's long-standing blue identity. Furthermore, the issue has garnered political attention, with the Odisha government reportedly seeking an explanation from Hockey India.
As the Hockey World Cup 2026 draws closer, the internal discord within Hockey India over the new saffron jerseys is likely to intensify, demanding urgent resolution to ensure the focus remains on the athletes and their performance on the global stage. The federation's response to President Tirkey's formal queries is now keenly awaited.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 31, 2026 02:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).