The Business Bytes
New Delhi, November 11, 2024 (TBB Bureau): The stage is set, and anticipation is high as Vedanta’s Kalinga Lancers prepare for a stellar return to the Hockey India League (HIL) after a seven-year hiatus. The much-awaited season, scheduled from December 28, 2024, to February 1, 2025, promises high-octane action as eight elite teams vie for the prestigious HIL championship title. Iconic venues in Rourkela and Ranchi will host the matches, with Kalinga Lancers kicking off their campaign on December 30 against the formidable UP Rudras in Rourkela.
The Kalinga Lancers are stepping onto the field with a lineup that combines international stars and promising local talent, making them one of the teams to watch this season. After a successful player auction, the Lancers secured renowned players such as Krishan B Pathak, Aran Zalewski, and Alexander Hendrickx. They are joined by rising Indian stars like Rosan Kujur and Mukesh Toppo, who bring their unique energy and skill to the team. With an exciting mix of experience and youth, the squad is primed for a thrilling journey.
Reflecting on the team’s preparation and the significance of HIL’s return, Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Aluminium, expressed optimism: “This is a pivotal moment not just for the Kalinga Lancers but for hockey in Odisha and India as a whole. With a solid squad and a strategic roadmap in place, we are excited to compete in front of passionate fans, especially at our homeground in Rourkela. Our mission is to inspire and bring back the fervour for hockey in this region while striving for victory in every match.”
Under the expert guidance of Strategy Director David John and an experienced support team, the Lancers are focusing on a fast-paced, tactically disciplined gameplay style. “The schedule gives us ample opportunity to showcase the depth and strength of our squad,” John shared. “We’ve put in place rigorous training and team-building initiatives to ensure we approach each match with confidence and precision.”
Vedanta’s investment in the Kalinga Lancers aligns with the company’s broader commitment to youth development, community engagement, and the advancement of sports infrastructure in Odisha. Vedanta has long been a champion of local talent, supporting grassroots initiatives in various sports and contributing significantly to Odisha’s sporting culture.
The Kalinga Lancers’ schedule promises a series of exciting encounters, with challenging matchups against teams like the Tamil Nadu Dragons, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Delhi SG Pipers. Fans are eager to witness the team’s efforts to reclaim hockey’s glory in Odisha and bring the sport to new heights.
The Kalinga Lancers will kick off their campaign on December 30, 2024, in Rourkela, facing UP Rudras. They continue their journey with a match against the Tamil Nadu Dragons on January 3, followed by Soorma Hockey Club on January 5, both in Rourkela. The team will meet Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on January 6, Gonasika on January 9, and Hyderabad Toofans on January 12, all in Rourkela. Further, they will play against Delhi SG Pipers on January 16 and 19 in Rourkela before heading to Ranchi to compete with the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on January 24. The Lancers will wrap up the group stage back in Rourkela on January 27, taking on Soorma Hockey Club.
With excitement building, fans and hockey enthusiasts eagerly await the resurgence of the HIL and the Kalinga Lancers’ charge toward victory. The upcoming season promises to be a thrilling spectacle, celebrating the skill, dedication, and spirit of Indian hockey.
