Odisha minister unveils new jersey of Kalinga Lancers

Reported by Santosh Jagdev

Bhubaneswar, Jan 17:

Odisha Sports Development and Promotion Company Limited (OSDPCL), which owns the Kalinga Lancer team, unveiled the new modified team jersey and a gleaming golden ‘Man of the Match’ trophy at Hotel Mayfair here this evening.

HIL kalinga lancer man of the match

The jersey and trophy were unveiled by Industries and School and Mass Education minister Debi Prasad Mishra in the presence of OSDPCL chairman Vishal Dev and sports secretary Saswat Mishra. Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Sudam Marandi also joined the function towards the end.

The Kalinga Lancers team is currently preparing for the second edition of the Hero Honda Hockey India League starting here from January 22.

Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Dev said the Kalinga Lancer team will be seen sporting a vibrant orange and white colored jersey when they step out on their home turf against Ranchi Rays at Kalinga stadium on the first day of the League.

The Lancers jersey in this edition was made with cosmetic changes which enhances the overall look and feel, making it appear more energetic and full of life, he said.

He said taking the craze and the passion that the people of Odisha have shown for hockey matches during the first edition of HIL and Champions trophy played last year, Hockey India Federation has decided to host the league’s inaugural match in Bhubaneswar this time. Last year, the inaugural match was played in New Delhi.

Kalinga Lancer team captain Vickram Kanth said; “The new look of the team jersey is pulsating and I am eagerly waiting to don it along with my teammates and walk into the stadium with heads held high.”

About the team’s efforts in the game, he said, “In a week, our team will meet the other team and we are really putting our best efforts. Hopefully, we will perform better this time and get a place in the semifinal round. We will play for the franchise as well as for all the people of Odisha. It is high time for us to put 100% for a good show for this league.”

kalinga lancer team

Talking about the team’s chances, coach Jude Felix said, “The boys look extremely confident and well groomed in this new look. It is a bigt honour for me to be coaching this team, which has some of the best players from across the world. Last year, we did not do well and couldn’t reach to the semis. But this time, our players will put up a fantastic show and each match is going to be an exceptional one.”

The unique golden color trophy has a figure of a player with a hockey stick in his hand, above a golden round ball, which conveys the message of taking the popular game to the entire world. It rests on a wooden stand with a plaque that exhibits the team’s logo on it. This is a one of a kind trophy that the franchisee of Kalinga Lancers has introduced and will be awarded to the ‘Man of the Match’ for matches being played here.

The League will be telecast LIVE on Star Sports.

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