Chandigarh: Former India hockey captain and Punjab MLA Pargat Singh on Thursday objected to the reported change in the Indian hockey team’s traditional blue jersey, alleging it was an attempt by the BJP-led Centre to politicise sports.Pargat said the Indian hockey team had worn blue jerseys for decades and the colour had become an integral part of the country’s sporting identity. Replacing it with saffron, he alleged, was an attempt to impose political ideology on sports and should be withdrawn immediately.He claimed sports were meant to unite the country, promote athletes and strengthen national pride, not serve as a vehicle for political ideology. Instead of changing jersey colours, the Centre should focus on improving sports infrastructure, world-class training facilities, modern equipment and financial support for athletes, he said.The former education minister added that sports have no religion, caste or political colour and should remain free from politics.
