Secures hockey stars like
Aran Zalewski and Alexander Hendrickx
Vedanta Limited today
unveiled the official lineup for the Kalinga Lancers as the highly anticipated
Hockey India League (HIL) 2024 returns after a seven-year hiatus. Following
their dominant performance in the player auction, Vedanta has successfully
assembled a formidable team, blending emerging talent and seasoned veterans to
position the Kalinga Lancers as strong contenders for the upcoming tournament.
The company's strategic
approach during the auction resulted in a well-rounded lineup. This includes
key players like Aran Zalewski, Alexander Hendrickx and Thierry Brinkman along
with emerging young Indian stars like Rosan Kujur and Mukesh Toppo bolstering
the team's strengths across all positions. The squad's balance of experience
and youthful energy has made the Lancers one of the most competitive teams in
this year's HIL.
Kalinga Lancers Full
Squad
Defenders:
Sanjay (Rs 38 lakh), Mandeep Mor (Rs 19 lakh), Alexander Hendrickx (Rs 23
lakh), Arthur Van Doren (Rs 32 lakh), Antoine Kina (Rs 16 lakh), Partap Lakra
(Rs 2 lakh), Sushil Dhanwar (Rs 2 lakh), Rohit Kullu (Rs 2 lakh)
Midfielders:
Aran Zalewski (Rs 27 lakh), Moriangthem Rabichandra (Rs 32 lakh), Enrique
Gonzalez (Rs 10 lakh), Mukesh Toppo (Rs 5 lakh), Rosan Kujur (Rs 12.5 lakh),
Nicholas Bandurak (Rs 5 lakh)
Forwards:
Boby Singh Dhami (Rs 20 lakh), Dilpreet Singh (Rs 34 lakh), Thierry Brinkman
(Rs 38 lakh), Angad Bir Singh (Rs 26 lakh), Roshan Minz (Rs 2 lakh),
Gursahibjit Singh (Rs 6 lakh), Deepak Pradhan (Rs 2 lakh)
Goalkeepers:
Krishan Pathak (Rs 32 lakh), Tobias Reynolds-Cotterill (Rs 2 lakh), Sahil Kumar
Nayak (Rs 2 lakh)
The Kalinga Lancers'
squad consists of 24 players, including 8 overseas players, with a remaining
purse of Rs 10.5 lakh.
Vedanta will ensure that
Kalinga Lancers benefits from top-tier infrastructure, advanced training
facilities, and a world-class support staff, all aimed at delivering peak
performance throughout the season. The assembled team is fully equipped to
compete at the highest level, with the resources and support needed to achieve
success in this year's tournament.
Commenting on the newly
formed team, Sunil Gupta, Chief
Operating Officer (COO), Vedanta Aluminium, said: “Hockey is deeply rooted
in India's sporting culture, and we are proud to contribute to its growth
through the Kalinga Lancers. It is a privilege to own the team and strengthen
the sport further by inspiring the next generation. Beyond hockey, Vedanta has
been committed to supporting a variety of sports at the grassroots level,
including archery, karate, and football, demonstrating our dedication to
developing well-rounded talent across the country.”
Strategy Director David
John shared his excitement: "We have assembled a squad that is not only
talented but also deeply committed to success. Our strategy will emphasize
discipline and fast-paced play, maximizing scoring chances. With the
exceptional training environment and infrastructure, we have at our disposal,
combined with the expertise of our support staff, I am confident that the team
will take on the challenges head-on. We aim to showcase the best of hockey and
leave a strong mark in the HIL this year.”
Vedanta's acquisition of
Kalinga Lancers is not just about sporting excellence but also part of the
company's larger socio-economic development efforts in Odisha. By investing in
the Kalinga Lancers, Vedanta aims to strengthen this hockey culture, fostering
local talent and engaging with communities to promote the sport.
Vedanta's presence in
Odisha is significant, with the company operating India's largest aluminium
plant (1.8 MTPA) in Jharsuguda, and a state-of-the-art alumina refinery (3.5
MTPA) in Kalahandi. Vedanta Aluminium has created more than 100,000 direct and
indirect jobs in the state, further solidifying Odisha's position as a leader
in India's industrial landscape. Additionally, through investments in coal,
bauxite, ferrochrome, and iron ore, Vedanta plays a critical role in advancing the
“Make in India” initiative, contributing nearly 50% of India's aluminium
production and reducing the nation's dependency on imports.
