The Kalinga Lancers kicked off the Men’s Hockey India League 2026 season with a 4-2 victory over Ranchi Royals at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai. Alexander Hendrickx and Gursahibjit Singh each scored two goals, helping the Lancers recover from an early setback and secure their first points of the season.
After falling behind 1-2 in the first quarter, the Lancers regrouped, improved their game structure, and enhanced ball circulation. Hendrickx equalized with a penalty corner, while Singh netted two field goals in the second quarter, propelling the Lancers into the lead. Hendrickx added another penalty corner goal before halftime, extending their advantage.
Maintaining discipline in the second half, the Kalinga Lancers withstood pressure, showcased strong defense, and thwarted numerous penalty corner opportunities to maintain their lead until the final whistle. Singh, reflecting on his performance, emphasized the team effort and expressed the goal of continuous improvement and a strong finish in the league.
Head coach Jay Stacy highlighted the team’s progress in terms of coordination and structure, emphasizing the positive energy and communication within the squad. He acknowledged the competitive nature of the league and stressed the importance of maintaining strong structures and discipline. Looking ahead, Stacy emphasized the need for improved decision-making in attack and game management to secure victories in closely contested matches.
The Kalinga Lancers are set to face the defending champions, Shrachi Bengal Tigers, in their upcoming match on January 8.
