Argus News - Kalinga Lancers Players Set for International Action Ahead of Hockey India League

Bhubaneswar, Nov 22: The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers are set for a busy and exciting year-end as their players and coaching staff prepare for major international assignments before regrouping for the Hockey India League (HIL) 2025/26, scheduled to begin in January 2026.

Sanjay to Lead India at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Defender Sanjay, one of the Lancers’ key players, has been named captain of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team for the first time at a senior international tournament—the 2025 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. He will be joined by teammates Dilpreet Singh and Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, both expected to play crucial roles in India’s campaign. The tournament will also mark Belgium’s return after 17 years, with stars Alexander Hendrickx and Arthur Van Doren adding competitive intensity. Van Doren will captain the Belgian side.

Rising Stars in Junior World Cup

Lancers’ promising youngster Sunil PB is preparing for his biggest career moment yet as he gears up for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, scheduled from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. He will feature alongside Rosan Kujur and Rohit Kullu, with Kullu named as a standby.

Coach Jay Stacy’s International Role

Head Coach Jay Stacy will be coaching Australia’s junior national team at the World Cup. His side recently defeated India, which included Lancers’ junior players, in the Sultan of Johor Cup final with a 2–1 victory.

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CEO’s Message

Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, expressed excitement over the team’s packed schedule: “Our stars will represent their countries over the next few weeks and then join us in January for the Hockey India League. We look forward to seeing them return sharper, stronger, and ready for an exciting season with the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers.”

About Kalinga Lancers

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, owned by Vedanta Limited, represent Odisha in the Hockey India League. The franchise reflects Vedanta’s commitment to promoting sports and nurturing young talent, with investments across football, cricket, marathons, pickleball, and archery.