Meet the New Co-Captains of Kalinga Lancers: Sanjay and Arthur Van Doren
Kalinga Lancers Appoint New Leadership Ahead of HIL 2026
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move ahead of the Hockey India League (HIL) season, Kalinga Lancers have announced the selection of Sanjay from India and Belgium's Arthur Van Doren as co-captains for the upcoming season.
The HIL 2026 is set to take place from January 3 to 26, 2026, across various cities including Chennai, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar. Kalinga Lancers will kick off their campaign against Ranchi Royals on January 4, 2026, in Chennai.
Sanjay, a talented drag-flicker, recently led the Indian national team to a second-place finish, while Van Doren guided Belgium to victory at the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in November 2025, showcasing their leadership skills as they step into their roles with Kalinga Lancers.
Originating from Haryana, Sanjay quickly advanced through the junior ranks, participating in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and serving as vice-captain during the 2021 Junior World Cup, where he was the top scorer. He made his senior debut in the 2022–23 FIH Hockey Pro League and has since become a key player for India.
He played a crucial role in India's gold medal win at the 2023 Asian Games and contributed to the historic bronze medal achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. To date, he has represented India in 78 international matches.
On the other hand, Arthur Van Doren is recognized as one of the most accomplished defenders in modern hockey. He is a gold medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a champion from the 2023 World Cup, in addition to winning silver at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Currently, he is leading Belgium in the ongoing FIH Hockey Pro League and has accumulated 276 international caps since his debut in 2012.
Reflecting on his new position, Sanjay expressed, "Leading Kalinga Lancers in the Hero Hockey India League is a special moment for me. Having grown up watching this league, this opportunity is truly remarkable. I am thankful to the franchise management and coaching staff for their trust. Sharing leadership with a player of Arthur's caliber will be a valuable learning experience, and we will strive to win the title together."
Arthur Van Doren shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I am thrilled to take on this role with Kalinga Lancers. I enjoy leadership with the national team, and captaining a side in the HIL will be an exciting new challenge. I appreciate the owners and coaches for this opportunity and look forward to reuniting with Sanjay and the team to get started."
Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, remarked, "We are excited to appoint Sanjay and Arthur Van Doren as co-captains for the upcoming HIL season. They embody a perfect mix of youth, experience, and leadership within our team. Their recent successes in leading their national teams to the finals of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup highlight their capability and composure. With the new season approaching, we are eager to begin preparations and work towards our objectives."