Bhubaneswar, July 30 -- Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Thursday strongly criticised the BJP government in Odisha, accusing it of politicising the national sport by allegedly changing the iconic blue colour of the Indian hockey team's jersey to saffron.
In a post on social media platform X, Patnaik expressed deep anguish over the reported change, saying the legendary blue jersey represents India's rich sporting heritage and national pride.
"I am deeply anguished to know that the legendary colour of the Indian hockey team's jersey has been changed to saffron," he wrote.
Patnaik said the iconic blue jersey is far more than just a colour, describing it as an emotion that has remained insepa...