Hockey India League: Odisha-based franchise Kalinga Lancers unveil jersey and mascot

Odisha-based franchise Vedanta Kalinga Lancers unveiled their official jersey, mascot and team anthem for the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) at a grand event in Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

The jersey was officially unveiled by Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. Among others, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium and Director of Kalinga Lancers Sunil Gupta, Sports and Youth Services Secretary Bhaskar Joyti Sarma, along with some Indian hockey players were present on the occasion.

While the home jersey of the franchise features a striking combination of blue and green, the away jersey retains the vibrant orange and white.

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The new jersey designs reflect history, art, geography and progress, paying tribute to Odisha’s rich heritage and forward-looking aspirations.

The team’s mascot, named Jeet, is based on the Odisha State bird, Indian Roller aka Blue Jay.

As per hockey experts, Kalinga Lancers is a very balanced team with a blend of experience and youth. As many as eight players from Odisha have been included in the team. All the players are confident of performing well in the hockey extravaganza starting December 28. 

“The performance of Odisha players will be enhanced and they will gain rich experiences by playing alongside talented foreign players. I thank and congratulate all the sponsors of Kalinga Lancers for coming forward and extending their helping hands for the growth of hockey in Odisha,” said Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

“Hockey holds a special place in Odisha, and being part of a franchise that represents the state’s deep-rooted love for the sport is a matter of immense pride,” said the team director, Sunil Gupta.