Kalinga Lancers clinched the Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 championship with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Ranchi Royals at Kalinga Hockey Stadium. Captain Arthur Van Doren attributed the team’s success to their chemistry and the unwavering support from the home crowd.
The triumph marked the culmination of a swift four-week preparation phase for the team. Van Doren acknowledged the challenge of forging a strong bond within such a short period but expressed pride in the team’s unity and solid performance on the field.
Facing Ranchi Royals for the fourth time in the tournament, Van Doren emphasized the importance of maintaining an offensive approach against the formidable opponents. He commended their performance against a top-tier team like Ranchi Royals, highlighting the team’s pride in their achievement.
Even while protecting a narrow lead in the final moments of the match, the Lancers opted to stay on the offensive rather than adopting a purely defensive strategy. Van Doren stressed the significance of playing their natural game and staying positive as a cohesive unit to counter the opposition’s continuous attacks.
The Lancers’ impressive campaign witnessed only one defeat, which occurred in a non-essential match after they had already secured a spot in Qualifier 1 by topping the league stage. Van Doren credited the enthusiastic support of the home crowd for contributing to their success, emphasizing the uplifting energy and incredible atmosphere that propelled the team forward.
