Naveen Patnaik Slams Hockey Jersey Colour Change as “Petty Politics”

Bhubaneswar: BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has strongly condemned the reported change of the Indian hockey team’s jersey colour from blue to saffron, terming it “petty politics.”

Patnaik stressed that the blue jersey is not just a colour but a symbol of national pride, unity, and sporting heritage.

He linked it to the blue chakra in the national flag and recalled India’s Olympic victories achieved while wearing it.

Highlighting Odisha’s contribution to hockey, Patnaik noted that the state was the first to sponsor the national teams when they lacked support.

He pointed out that Odisha’s backing coincided with India’s men’s team winning an Olympic medal after 41 years.

Accusing the BJP government in Odisha of being “obsessed with changing colours,” Patnaik alleged that the decision was politically motivated and divisive.

He compared the blue jersey’s importance to Argentina’s stripes and Brazil’s yellow, warning that altering it would erase India’s sporting legacy.

Patnaik concluded that such moves hurt sports lovers across the country and undermine the spirit of national identity.