Kalinga Black Tigers Unveil Jersey and Mascot Ahead of Rugby Premier League Debut
A New Chapter in Indian Rugby
Bhubaneswar: India is set to embark on a new journey in professional sports with the launch of the Rugby Premier League, and the Kalinga Black Tigers, one of the league's founding teams, celebrated a significant milestone by unveiling their official jersey and mascot at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
Supported by I-lunch Ventures, a prominent investment firm in Odisha, the Kalinga Black Tigers symbolize more than just a sports team; they represent a vision for the state's growth and recognition on a national level. Hunch Ventures has been a consistent supporter of Odisha through various impactful initiatives. Earlier this year, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Startup Odisha to bolster the region's startup ecosystem. With the Kalinga Black Tigers, Hunch continues its dedication to fostering talent, celebrating local identity, and elevating Odisha's profile in national discussions.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries and Rugby Premier League supporters, including Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Rugby India President Rahul Bose, Odisha Rugby Football Association President Priyadarshi Mishra, Hunch Ventures Founder and Kalinga Black Tigers Co-owner Karanpal Singh, Head Coach Mike Friday, Assistant Coach Rajeev Nath, and the entire Kalinga Black Tigers team.
The guests officially revealed the Kalinga Black Tigers' jersey, marking a proud moment for both the team and the state. The new jersey pays homage to Odisha's rich heritage and resilient spirit. Drawing inspiration from the rare melanistic black tigers found in the region's forests, the design embodies the team's core values of strength and resilience. Additionally, the team introduced its mascot, the "Paika," which symbolizes the bravery of the legendary Kalinga warriors, capturing the legacy and pride the team represents.
This event also signifies a historic moment for Odisha. While the state has long nurtured rugby at the grassroots level, this is the first time it will be represented in a national league for a global sport. This achievement marks the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration and reinforces Odisha's commitment to enhancing its presence in the national sports arena.
During the event, Bose expressed, "The RPL Governing Council is thrilled to have a team from Odisha. The state's contributions to Indian sports, both on and off the field, are well-documented. The Kalinga Black Tigers boast a formidable lineup featuring some of the best rugby players globally and in India. We wish them success in elevating Indian rugby on the world stage."
Singh shared his vision, stating, "Hunch has been a long-time supporter of rugby. Nearly half of our Women's National team comprised Odias who won silver in the Asia Sevens in 2021. KBT is named after the black tigers native to Odisha, symbolizing power and agility. Rugby, being a high-intensity contact sport, will resonate well with audiences both in Odisha and across the nation."
Head Coach Mike Friday expressed his enthusiasm for the team's future, saying, "Rugby is rapidly gaining traction worldwide, and I am excited to see it gaining popularity in India with the Rugby Premier League's launch. The Kalinga Black Tigers combine world-class players like Rosko, Perry, Maurice Harry, and Lucas with talented Indian athletes, forming a dynamic team. Having worked with them, I am confident their passion, resilience, and team spirit will shine as they represent Odisha. With the right blend of energy, determination, and skill, the Black Tigers are poised to be strong contenders in the series. Get ready for the 'Ambush.'"
The event set an optimistic tone for the Rugby Premier League's inaugural season and highlighted Odisha's growing reputation as a hub for world-class sporting events. The Rugby Premier League is set to commence on June 15 and will be streamed live on JioHotstar, with the Kalinga Black Tigers kicking off their campaign against Hyderabad on the opening day.