India’s latest World Cup defeat to England was another reminder that, for all the progress made by Indian hockey, some old habits remain remarkably resistant to change. Earlier, India had led England 2-1 at half-time and had every reason to believe that a famous victory was within reach. Harmanpreet Singh’s penalty-corner drag-flick had restored parity after Nicholas Bandurak’s opener, before Dilpreet Singh completed an excellent move to put India ahead. Then came the familia

For nearly a century, Indian hockey, or for that matter any team representing the country, has been synonymous with one colour, ok blue. It is the shade that witnessed eight Olympic gold medals, the artistry of Dhyan Chand, the revival under Harmanpreet Singh, ICC ODI and T20 World Cups, and countless moments when the tricolour rose above the podium. The jersey was never merely a piece of fabric; it became part of India’s sporting identity. Now, Hockey India’s decision to rep