Bhubaneswar: Hockey India today unveiled a new-look official playing kit of the Indian Hockey teams. Hockey Fans can watch the Manpreet Singh-led Indian Men’s team donning the new uniform at the forthcoming FIH Men’s Series Finals in Bhubaneswar starting from June 6.
Similarly, the Indian Women’s Team led by striker Rani will be seen wearing the new official kit at the FIH Women’s Series Finals to be held in Hiroshima in Japan from June 15.
The brand new uniform created by the official kitting partners Shiv Naresh, is a darker shade of blue which sports the Indian tri-colour on the sleeves and on the shoulders. As the game of hockey has evolved over the years making it fast-paced and technical, the role of the official playing kits too has evolved with manufacturers having to keep in mind the breath-ability as it increases the chances of dehydration on the field. In addition, the material used should not curb their movements on the field while playing high-intensity hockey.
“We feel a lot of pride in wearing the India jersey and several young players work hard round the year to find an opportunity to wear the India kit which also features their unique Hockey India playing number and only a few are fortunate enough to have this privilege. The official playing kit always holds a very special place in every player’s heart and we are thrilled to receive this new-look, newly designed Indian uniform ahead of our important campaign at the FIH Men’s Series Finals,” said the captain of Men’s team, Manpreet Singh.
In related development teams of USA and Uzbekistan arrived in Bhubaneswar today for the FIH Men’s Series Finals which will begin on June 6 at the Kalinga Stadium in the state capital.
USA is placed in Pool B with South Africa, Japan and Mexico while Uzbekistan will face tough competition in Pool A from hosts India, Poland and Russia.
USA’s captain Ajai Dhadwal, who has his roots in India, praised the home crowd. “It is a great opportunity for our team to come here to India, and play in front of a great crowd. We don’t get such great atmosphere back in our country, but fans are really passionate about hockey here in Bhubaneswar. We are going to give our best in the FIH Men’s Series Finals,” he said.
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Ms Kalinga