Arthur Van Doren Excited to Co-Captain Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in HIL 2026
Arthur Van Doren: A Star Defender's Journey
By Utkarsh Rathour
New Delhi [India], December 23: Arthur Van Doren stands out as one of the most accomplished defenders in contemporary hockey. The Belgian athlete boasts an Olympic gold medal from the Tokyo 2020 Games and a championship title from the 2023 World Cup.
In addition to his gold, Arthur has also secured silver medals at the Rio 2016 Olympics and the 2023 World Cup. Currently, he is leading Belgium in the ongoing FIH Hockey Pro League, having accumulated 276 international caps since his debut in 2012.
As the Hockey India League (HIL) tournament approaches, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers have announced that Arthur and India's Sanjay will serve as co-captains for the team. The HIL 2026 is scheduled to take place from January 3 to January 26, 2026, across Chennai, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar.
In a recent interview, Arthur expressed his enthusiasm about returning to India for this franchise tournament. He shared his fondness for playing hockey in India and his desire to improve upon last year's performance.
“It’s always a pleasure to play hockey in India. I believe everyone feels the same way. The atmosphere here is unmatched compared to other countries, which is a significant compliment,” Arthur remarked.
He further added, “The Hockey India League is thrilling, and it greatly benefits our sport. I’m excited to be back for a second season and aim to perform better than last year with the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers.”
Discussing the legacy of the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, the two-time FIH Player of the Year noted, “The vision is clear: to grow, succeed, and excel. Vedanta's involvement has established clear goals, allowing players to focus solely on hockey, which is the best part. We faced challenges last year in reaching the playoffs, but the team is more determined than ever to excel this season.”
Arthur also shared his thoughts on the atmosphere at Kalinga Stadium, which he believes enhances his performance. He holds a special connection to the venue, as it was where Belgium claimed the world championship title in 2018.
“It’s hard to compare, but the quality and enthusiasm of the fans in India, especially at Kalinga Stadium, are remarkable. We love playing there. For me, it’s particularly special because it’s where we became world champions in 2018. I’m thrilled to return and play in front of those fans,” he stated.
When asked about the current generation of Indian hockey players, Arthur praised their achievements, particularly their consecutive medal wins at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
“The HIL players have performed exceptionally well over the years. Winning medals in two consecutive Olympics is a significant achievement, showcasing the continuous quality of players. The HIL's revival is beneficial for young Indian players,” he noted.
“It aids in their preparation and development. The same applies to foreign players, as it helps us become more versatile. The experience of traveling and adapting to different teams and environments is invaluable for personal and professional growth,” he concluded.