Hockey India has designated traditional blue as its primary kit for the Asian Games following controversy over the saffron jersey, while an independent panel has been set up to investigate harassment claims against HI secretary Bholanath Singh.
The Indian hockey teams have partially rolled back their experiment with jersey colours and will don their traditional blue kit at the upcoming Asian Games. The saffron kit, which led to allegations of politicisation and internal tussles within Hockey India (HI), will now serve as the second option.
Addressing the decision, HI president Dilip Tirkey stated, “The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had asked us our preferred choice and HI has given blue as the first choice. Saffron will be the second colour.”
In a separate development, a four-member committee has been constituted to conduct an independent inquiry into allegations of harassment and intimidation raised by former captain Asunta Lakra against HI secretary Bholanath Singh. The sports ministry had asked the Indian Olympic Association to conduct the probe almost two months ago.
Headed by Justice (retd.) Deepa Sharma, the committee includes former India striker and 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Mamta Kharab, former sprinter Vandana Rao, and Supreme Court advocate Sitwat Nabi. The panel is expected to begin its work later this week.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Sport. Photo courtesy The Hindu Sport.