Bhubaneswar, 20/12/2024: Odisha’s premier hockey team, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, unveiled their new jersey, team mascot, and official anthem at a grand ceremony held at Kalinga Stadium on Thursday, signaling their full preparedness for the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) season. The event drew significant attention from sports officials, corporate leaders, and hockey enthusiasts across the state, highlighting Odisha’s growing prominence in national sports.
The team’s new jerseys were formally introduced by Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of Sports and Youth Services, alongside Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium and Director of Kalinga Lancers, and Bhaskar Sharma, IAS, Principal Secretary of Sports and Youth Services. The home jersey features a striking blend of blue and green, representing Odisha’s vibrant culture and commitment to excellence, while the away jersey embraces energetic shades of orange and white, symbolizing enthusiasm and resilience. The designs fuse modern aesthetics with cultural symbolism, reflecting both the state’s rich heritage and its forward-looking vision.
A key highlight of the jersey is the Konark Wheel, integrated as a central motif, paying homage to Odisha’s historical and architectural legacy. Artistic elements inspired by traditional dance forms such as Chhau, Ghumura, and Sambalpuri have also been incorporated, bringing the vivid traditions of North and Western Odisha to the forefront. Accompanying the jersey launch was the team anthem, “Jazba Jeet Ka,” performed by renowned singer Rituraj Mohanty, which aims to inspire players and fans alike with its motivational spirit.
The team’s official mascot, Jeet, is inspired by Odisha’s state bird, the Indian Roller (Blue Jay). Designed to symbolize energy, agility, and determination, Jeet is intended to become a unifying symbol for fans and players, strengthening the team’s identity both on and off the field.
Speaking at the launch, David John, the team’s strategy director, expressed confidence in the squad’s preparedness for the season, stating, “We carefully selected players during the auction who align with our goals. The defending champions are ready to strengthen their legacy.” The Kalinga Lancers are set to play their first match of the season in Rourkela on December 30, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting campaign.
The team boasts a blend of international and domestic talent, including India’s goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Dutch Olympic gold medalist Thierry Brinkman, and Belgian star Arthur Van Doren. Under the guidance of head coach Valentin Altenburg, who secured a bronze medal with Germany at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the team combines global experience with local expertise. Notably, eight players from Odisha are included in the squad, highlighting the state’s contribution to Indian hockey and the nurturing of homegrown talent.
The Hockey India League’s men’s tournament will commence on December 28 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, with the season culminating in a grand finale scheduled for February 1, 2025. With a blend of skilled international players, promising local talent, and a strong organizational setup, the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming HIL season, further enhancing Odisha’s reputation as a hockey powerhouse.
