'Passion for hockey in Odisha is evident everywhere,' says Jay Stacy ahead of Hockey India League 2026 season

The event took place in Bhubaneswar, ahead of the Hockey India League 2026 season.

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers met and interacted with Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo ji, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, during a pre-season Meet & Greet in Bhubaneswar on Monday, as the team prepares for the upcoming season of the Hockey India League, set to get underway in Chennai.

The evening was marked by a strong sense of Odisha pride, bringing together players, coaching staff and senior leadership ahead of the new campaign.

As part of the event, players were handed over their official jerseys for the season, showcasing readiness and renewed ambition as the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers look ahead to the HIL.

Senior Vedanta leadership present at the event included Mr. C. Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Jharsuguda, and Mr. S. Suresh, CFO, Aluminium Mines, reinforcing Vedanta’s commitment to contributing to Odisha’s rich hockey legacy.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. C. Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Jharsuguda said, “We are grateful to Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo ji, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, for taking the time to meet and interact with the team and for his continued encouragement.

Odisha has played a defining role in India’s hockey journey, and through Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, we remain committed to contributing meaningfully to the sport.

We extend our best wishes to the players and coaching staff as they prepare for the new season and are confident, they will make us, and the entire state of Odisha, proud.”

Mr. S. Suresh, CFO, Aluminium Mines, added, “The team has had a focused and well-structured pre-season, and the preparations reflect the ambition we carry into the new campaign.

With strong performances in Chennai and Ranchi, our aim will be to earn a place in the finals. We wish the players and coaching staff the very best and look forward to seeing them represent Odisha with pride.”

Sharing excitement for the new season, Head Coach Jay Stacy said, “It has been a great experience being in Bhubaneswar. The warmth of the people and their passion for hockey is evident everywhere.

It was an honour to meet Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo ji, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, and to see the support the state continues to extend to the sport.

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Representing Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in a state that has contributed so much to hockey is something we value deeply. We have had some very good training sessions at the Kalinga Stadium, and the group is excited for the new season.

Our focus is on giving our absolute best, returning to Bhubaneswar in a strong position and, hopefully, playing the final in front of our home crowd.”

The team was undergoing an intense pre-season camp at the Kalinga Stadium, with the entire squad training under the supervision of Head Coach Jay Stacy, as they prepared for their first match on 4 January in Chennai.

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