Bhubaneswar: During a pre-season meet Vedanta Kalinga Lancers met and interacted with Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo here at Kalinga Stadium on Monday, as the team prepares for the upcoming season of the Hockey India League, set to get underway in Chennai.

As part of the event, players were handed over their official jerseys for the season, Senior Vedanta leadership present at the event included C. Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Jharsuguda, and S. Suresh, CFO, Aluminium Mines, reinforcing Vedanta’s commitment to contributing to Odisha's rich hockey legacy. 

Speaking on the occasion, Chandru said, “We are grateful to Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo 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.”

Suresh 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.”

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. 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.