Kalinga Lancers Win HIL Title; CM Calls It a Proud Moment for Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers emerged victorious in a thrilling final of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL), defeating the Ranchi Royals 3-2 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Sunday. The hard-fought win secured the Lancers the prestigious HIL title along with a cash prize of ₹3 crore.

Ranchi Royals, as runners-up, received ₹2 crore, while the Hyderabad Toofans claimed the third-place prize of ₹1 crore.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who was present for the closing ceremony, lauded the Lancers’ performance and described the victory as a “proud moment for every Odia.” The Chief Minister, along with Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, presented the trophy and the winning cheque to Kalinga Lancers’ captain Arthur Van Doren.

Addressing the success, CM Majhi highlighted Odisha’s growing stature in the sport, saying the state has become a hub for hockey and a showcase of India’s strong sporting culture.

In a post on his social media account, the Chief Minister wrote that the thrilling conclusion of the HIL final and the Lancers’ victory reflect Odisha’s deep connection with hockey. He added that the impressive on-field performance and the passionate support from spectators underscore the state’s rich sporting tradition.

“My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the teams, players, and organizers for this successful tournament,” Majhi wrote. “Let us all come together to take Indian hockey to new heights of success.”

The Hero Hockey India League’s conclusion in Bhubaneswar not only crowned a new champion but also reinforced Odisha’s status as a key destination for hockey in the country.