New Delhi: The sudden change of the traditional decades-long blue jersey to “saffron/kesariya” by Hockey India, calling for both men and women’s team to don it starting August 15, has kicked up a storm.The controversy has grown into a serious battle with the Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey taking exception over the response he has received to his notice seeking details on the change of kit.Tirkey had called for an explanation on the process from HI director general Cdr. R.K. Srivastava, who had claimed that such “operational decisions” were not brought before the executive doard earlier either, as per The Hindu. Tirkey has now called for Srivastava to file a “point-by-point response” to the objections raised by him.Tirkey, a former Hockey captain and ex-Rajya Sabha MP writes, “Hockey India does not own Indian hockey. We are trustees and custodians of a national sporting legacy.”Also read: The BJP-RSS’s Latest Saffron Project: What Hockey India’s Jersey Change Signifies“A response consisting only of general explanations or assertions without supporting documentary evidence will not enable the Executive Board to discharge its constitutional responsibilities”, he has added, saying that he must reply by the end of the day on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.“I wish to make it clear that the issue under consideration is not merely the colour or design of a jersey. The matter concerns the decision-making process adopted for a change involving one of the most recognisable symbols of Indian hockey, the authority under which such a decision was taken, the consultations undertaken, compliance with Hockey India’s governance framework, and whether appropriate institutional processes were followed,” writes Tirkey.Tirkey adds that as “the executive board includes several distinguished former international players and Olympians who have represented India at the highest level. Their understanding of high performance comes from first-hand experience of the realities of international competition. “In this regard, please clarify whether the potential impact of the change on athlete’s preparation, confidence, comfort, mental focus and competition readiness was assessed.”He goes on to say, “Further, members of the men’s national team were required to address questions relating to the jersey change in the media immediately before the World Cup. Please clarify whether the possible impact of this situation on athlete’s focus, mental preparation and tournament readiness was assessed before the public announcement.”Also read: Hockey: Sudden Switch from Blue to Saffron Jersey Has Seven Ex-Captains EnragedTirkey has asked Srivastava to reveal the authority, approval or delegation under which the decision to change the official blue jersey was taken. There is a demand that he disclose the timeline of the change, names, designations and roles of every person involved in the decision, accompanied by copies of all internal correspondence.He has also asked for identities of players and other staff consulted, and documentary evidence of the feedback they received. Tirkey has called for details of the designing, manufacturing and delivery process for the new kits proposed as well.Tirkey’s email to Hockey India also distinguishes between the remit of elected members of the federation and employees. “The Hockey India Bye-Laws establish a governance structure under which the elected bodies of Hockey India are responsible for the governance, policy direction and oversight of the Federation. The Director General has an important executive and administrative role in managing the affairs of Hockey India and implementing approved decisions. However, administrative responsibility cannot be interpreted as replacing or overriding the authority of the elected governance bodies,” he wrote.Fans and veterans, at least seven former captains, Olympic medallists and captains who have led the Indian squad to victory in world cups have raised sharp questions on the need and rationale of the decision to discard the blue jersey and move to saffron.