Vedanta Kalinga Lancers Kick Off Pre-Season Training for Hero Hockey India League 2026

The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers have commenced their pre-season training camp ahead of the Hero Hockey India League 2026. With Indian players reporting to the Kalinga Stadium, new coach Pascal Kina outlines his strategy and expresses confidence in the squad. The team aims to build cohesion and prepare effectively for the upcoming season, with their first match scheduled against the Ranchi Royals on January 4, 2026. This season promises to be an exciting challenge for the Lancers as they strive for success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 17:47 IST

Pre-Season Training Begins

As the Hero Hockey India League 2026 approaches, the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers have initiated their pre-season training camp. Indian players reported to the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, as announced in a press release.

Indian Players Join the Camp

Among the Indian players participating in the camp are Captain Sanjay, goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak, and defenders Partap Lakra, Rohit Kullu, and Sunil P B. The midfield and forward positions include Rabichandra Moirangthem, Rosan Kujur, Dilpreet Singh, Amit Kumar Toppo, Angad Bir Singh, Deepak Pradhan, Gursahibjit Singh, and Boby Singh Dhami.

Coach Pascal Kina's Strategic Vision

Pascal Kina, the new Technical & Strategy Coach for the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, brings over 15 years of international hockey experience. He has previously worked with teams across Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, China, and Korea, but this will be his inaugural tournament in India.

Kina expressed his excitement about being in India for the first time, stating, "I am thrilled to be here. Although I have been involved in international hockey for many years, India was a place I had yet to visit. Representing Vedanta Kalinga Lancers is a source of pride for me, and the start has been exhilarating."

He emphasized the importance of the initial training phase, focusing on fitness, testing, and building rapport with the players. "Establishing connections and fostering team cohesion is crucial for me," he noted.

Confidence in the Squad

With limited time to prepare, Kina remains optimistic about the team's potential. He mentioned, "These players are talented, and I have confidence in our prospects this season. We have a practice match scheduled for the 28th, and most overseas players are coming from their national team camps, ensuring they are match-ready. This timing is ideal for our preparations for the league."

Kina outlined his approach for the season, stating, "My philosophy is to tackle the tournament one game at a time and strive for the highest possible outcome. Every team aims for the championship, and we are no exception. Alongside the coaching staff, our goal is to elevate this team to compete at the highest level and achieve significant success."

Looking Ahead: HIL 2026 Preparations

The foreign players, along with Head Coach Jay Stacy, are expected to join the team after Christmas as the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers ramp up their preparations for the Hero HIL 2026 season. Their first match will be against the Ranchi Royals on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Chennai.