NEW DELHI: Vedanta Limited has announced its acquisition of the Kalinga Lancers, a premier hockey team based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, at a franchisee event held ahead of the return of the Hockey India League (HIL). This acquisition reinforces Vedanta’s long-standing commitment to promoting sports in Odisha, a region where the company has played a pivotal role in socio-economic development for over two decades.
The Kalinga Lancers, former HIL champions, were previously co-owned by Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL).Vedanta Aluminium now assumes full ownership, with a vision to build on the team’s legacy of excellence and elevate their standing in future HIL seasons.
Commenting on this acquisition, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, non-executive director, Vedanta Limited and chairperson, Hindustan Zinc, stated: “At Vedanta, we are committed to transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse. Hockey has been one of the pillars of India’s sports success, with recent Olympic victories further highlighting its potential. With our acquisition of the Kalinga Lancers, we are investing not only in the team but in the future of Indian hockey. Through enhanced infrastructure, grassroots talent scouting, and focused training, we aim to foster a new generation of athletes who will proudly represent India on the world stage.”
Vedanta’s strategic focus will be on assembling a competitive team for the upcoming HIL season, while bolstering infrastructure, securing sponsorships, and exploring partnerships to strengthen the Lancers’ position in the league. Leveraging Odisha’s world-class sports facilities and rich hockey culture, Vedanta sees this acquisition as a crucial step in both the regional and national growth of the sport. This aligns with the company’s broader mission of fostering socio-economic progress in Odisha, while supporting the state’s role as India’s aluminium hub and a vital contributor to national self-reliance.