Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed strong "anguish" over the Indian hockey team's decision to change its traditional blue jersey to saffron for the upcoming FIH World Cup. Patnaik, whose state government previously sponsored the team, criticised the move as "petty politics" and an attempt to erase sporting legacy, alleging pressure from the BJP government in Odisha. Hockey India stated the saffron colour symbolises courage, sacrifice, and new beginnings, inspired by the national flag.
The controversy within Hockey India regarding the change in the Indian teams' jersey colour has intensified. President Dilip Tirkey's deadline for Executive Director Commander RK Srivastava to submit documents explaining the decision was missed, leading to the Secretary General requesting an emergency Executive Board meeting. This issue, along with unaddressed harassment complaints, highlights significant internal strife within the organisation.
The Congress party has criticised the decision to change the Indian hockey team's jersey colour to saffron, calling it a 'narrow-minded political experiment' and demanding the government reconsider the move.
Indian hockey vice-captain Hardik Singh stated that the new orange-coloured jersey for the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup is a 'team strategy' and a 'tactic' to avoid clashes with the blue Astroturf, a decision that has sparked controversy.
Hockey India has defended its decision to change the national men's and women's hockey teams' jerseys to saffron for the upcoming FIH World Cup, citing technical feedback and the symbolic value of the colour.
'Whether they change uniforms or try to rewrite history through education policy, no matter what they do... You have seen what the youth of our country think about this...'
The controversy within Hockey India over the change in the Indian teams' jersey colour has intensified, with President Dilip Tirkey demanding documents from Director General Commander RK Srivastava. The issue, coupled with unaddressed harassment complaints, has led to the Secretary General seeking an emergency Executive Board meeting, highlighting significant internal strife ahead of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup.
A controversy has erupted within Hockey India over the national teams' new saffron jerseys, replacing the traditional blue.
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has publicly questioned Hockey India's decision to switch the national team's jersey colour to orange, arguing that the team's identity and legacy have always been associated with blue.
Congress MLA and former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh has criticised the change in the Indian hockey team's national jersey colour from blue to saffron, alleging it reflects the BJP's mindset of 'giving everything a particular colour' and urging a focus on sports development instead.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented US President Donald Trump with a national football team jersey bearing the name 'Trump' and the number '47' at the 52nd G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, marking Trump's 80th birthday and his status as the 47th US President.
France captain Kylian Mbappe was honoured for reaching 100 international appearances, receiving a commemorative jersey from coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps himself was celebrated for becoming the most successful manager in FIFA World Cup history with 17 victories. Despite their dominant performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, both Mbappe and Deschamps cautioned against complacency ahead of their Round of 16 match against Paraguay.
Defending champions MSC Maratha Royals unveiled their new 'Royal Roar' jersey ahead of the T20 Mumbai League 2026, blending tiger-inspired design, Mumbai street culture and fearless championship ambition.
Legendary Indian hockey player P R Sreejesh has urged the men's team to ignore the ongoing jersey colour controversy and focus on ending the 50-year World Cup medal drought. He dismissed concerns about the saffron jersey, noting past colour changes, but questioned the visibility argument. Sreejesh emphasised that if players approved the change, the debate should cease, and politics should be kept out of sports. He also expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform despite the off-field distractions.
Toronto is expecting more than 300,000 visitors during the World Cup with six matches to be played in the city.
Hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay has voiced his displeasure over the Indian hockey team's decision to adopt saffron as its primary jersey colour, arguing that the blue jersey has been the sport's long-standing identity for decades.
Kovai Kings, a Tamil Nadu Premier League team, has secured VIDA as its title partner for the 2026 season. The team, now rebranded as VIDA Kovai Kings, also unveiled its new official jersey and will be led by M Shahrukh Khan and B Sai Sudharsan. This partnership aims to combine high performance with innovation and sustainability.
The Indian men's 4x200m freestyle relay team has qualified for the final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, finishing third in their heat. The quartet, comprising Dhakshan Shashikumar, Aneesh Sunil Kumar Gowda, Aryan Nehra, and Srihari Nataraj, clocked 7:39.48, securing a spot in the eight-team final and keeping medal hopes alive.
Before Diego Maradona's famous blue shirt became a $9.28 million auction item, it may have had a humbler beginning in Tepito, Mexico City's market district.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received a signed Lionel Messi jersey and expressed his excitement on social media.
While most fans reached for football jerseys, Urvashi Rautela treated the FIFA World Cup 2026 stage like her personal runway, layering couture over sportswear in a look that was bizarre yet bold and unforgettable.
The Indian men's 4x200m freestyle relay team finished sixth in the final at the Commonwealth Games swimming competition. Despite improving their time significantly from the heats, the quartet of Dhakshan Shashikumar, Aneesh Sunil Kumar Gowda, Aryan Nehra, and Srihari Nataraj could not match the pace of leading nations like Australia, England, and Wales, highlighting the gap between India and traditional swimming powerhouses.
What do you need to know about the MetLife Stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup final?
Spain's final training session before Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina has been cancelled due to thunderstorms, organisers FIFA said on Saturday.
Argentina's dark blue away jersey holds significant historical and superstitious value for the team, particularly in World Cup encounters against England. The team will wear this kit in their upcoming semi-final, hoping to replicate past successes from 1986 and 1998, where the blue jersey was worn during famous victories over England. Both coaches acknowledge the role of superstition in high-level sports, though Argentina's coach downplays the specific jersey choice. The jersey also features cultural motifs.
U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino were booed by spectators as they took to the field for the World Cup trophy ceremony at the New York New Jersey stadium, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0.
US President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at the New York-New Jersey stadium on Sunday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday.
Spain's Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro trained separately from the main squad in New Jersey as a precautionary measure ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina, with both players expected to be available.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will conclude with a spectacular closing ceremony at New Jersey Stadium, featuring performances by global superstars like Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will perform the US national anthem.
David Owori, the 28-year-old captain of Ugandan football club SC Villa and an international player, has died after being critically injured in an assault by unidentified assailants in Kampala.
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to kick off in New Jersey, with fans flocking to the stadium despite high ticket prices and enhanced security measures, as both teams vie for the coveted title.
World football's governing body, FIFA, has initiated a disciplinary investigation into the post-match brawl that erupted after Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in a chaotic World Cup final, following tensions that boiled over after a contentious match.
Jos Buttler praised Rohit Sharma after receiving his signed jersey, as the Indian opener's Lord's century reinforced his ODI greatness despite India's series defeat.
A brief brawl erupted at the final whistle of the World Cup final after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina, sparked by Argentina's Leandro Paredes shoving Spain's Gavi, leading to intervention from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will conclude with a spectacular closing ceremony at New Jersey Stadium, featuring performances by global superstars like Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will perform the US national anthem. The ceremony will celebrate the journey of 48 teams across three host countries and 16 cities, marking the end of a record-breaking tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final saw a galaxy of stars on the field and off it.
India concluded Day 7 of the Commonwealth Games in eighth position, securing a total of 15 medals, including three gold, nine silver, and three bronze. Australia maintained its lead in the overall standings with 103 medals.
The medals tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Former Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has cautioned the Spanish national team against underestimating Argentina in the upcoming World Cup final, labelling them a "real nuisance" and highlighting their experience and tactical prowess.
Fans, former teammates, and opponents gathered in Milan to bid farewell to Franco Baresi, the iconic AC Milan and Italy defender who passed away at 66. Baresi, a legendary figure in Italian football, was remembered for his illustrious 20-year career with AC Milan and his contributions to the Italian national team.
