We see each other clear as day: India coach Craig Fulton backs saffron jersey change
It has now been 18 games since the Indian men’s hockey team changed from their iconic blue colour to saffron. The colour change, at the time, divided opinion among fans and pundits, with many opposing the decision to make the change.
The jersey change exposed the infighting within Hockey India, but the federation defended its choice. HI said that the decision was taken after consultations with the players, coaches and support staff, insisting that the change was made after taking technical aspects into consideration rather than aesthetics. The main driving point of the whole change was that the blue jersey was starting to blend with the playing turf.
So, has the saffron jersey been a success? India men’s team coach Craig Fulton is certainly happy with it.
Speaking to Sportstar, Fulton defended the decision from HI, saying that the change has made a difference from a technical standpoint.
“I’m not here to say it’s right or wrong, what colour the jersey should be or shouldn’t be. But the more that you play on a blue pitch, the more contrast you can create makes a difference. So from that technical point of view, I think it’s made a really important difference,” said Fulton.
The Indian coach pointed to the recent ACT final against Japan in Mohali. The Japanese side was wearing a dark blue jersey on the blue turf in Mohali and Fulton said that it a situation that would create an issue for the players.
“So when we play Japan in the final, and they play in dark blue on a dark blue pitch at night, it’s not easy. Now we’re playing in orange, still playing for India, but in orange on a blue pitch at night, we see each other like clear as day. And that makes a big difference.”
“Also, the orange socks on the blue pitch, if you have blue socks on a blue pitch, and if you have black shoes, you know it clashes like this over time. So, I’m happy with where we’re at with the colours,” said Fulton.
The Indian coach also said that the team was never distracted by all the chatter around the jersey change.
“We are here to play hockey,” said Fulton.
INDIA’S GOLDEN RUN AFTER JERSEY CHANGE
The jersey change has coincided with a great run for the Indian men’s team. After debuting the new kit during the World Cup, they went on to win the Asian Games gold and defended the ACT title in Punjab, going unbeaten in both competitions.
The women’s team also ended a long wait for Asian Games gold after the jersey was changed to saffron and produced an inpsirational performance during the World Cup.
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