(MENAFN- ForPressRelease)
New Delhi, November 11, 2024: Vedanta\'s Kalinga Lancers are set to begin their journey with a powerful lineup and a well-structured game plan as the much-awaited Hockey India League (HIL) arrives after the hiatus of seven years. The team, after dominating the player auction by securing international stars and emerging local talent, is now gearing up for some of the most anticipated matches of the season as the schedule is announced.
The coveted league, which will run from 28th December 2024 to 1st February 2025, brings together eight fierce teams competing for the coveted HIL championship title across iconic venues in Rourkela and Ranchi. The Kalinga Lancers will kick off their campaign on December 30, 2024, in Rourkela, against UP Rudras. With matches stacked against formidable opponents like the Tamil Nadu Dragons, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Delhi SG Pipers, the team has a challenging but promising path ahead. The squad, which includes seasoned players like Krishan B Pathak, Aran Zalewski, and Alexander Hendrickx, along with rising Indian talents like Rosan Kujur and Mukesh Toppo, are expected to deliver a stellar performance throughout the tournament.
Commenting on the finalization of the schedule, Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, \"This is a pivotal moment not just for the Kalinga Lancers but for hockey in Odisha and India as a whole. With a solid squad and a strategic roadmap in place, we are excited to compete in front of passionate fans, especially at our homeground in Rourkela. Our mission is to inspire and bring back the fervour for hockey in this region while striving for victory in every match.\"
Under the guidance of experienced supporting staff, the Kalinga Lancers will focus on dynamic, fast-paced gameplay combined with tactical discipline. The team is preparing intensively, both on and off the field, with an emphasis on building cohesion, defense, and maximizing scoring opportunities.
David John, Strategy Director, Kalinga Lancers, added, \"The schedule gives us ample opportunity to showcase the depth and strength of our squad. We\'ve put in place rigorous training and team-building initiatives to ensure we approach each match with confidence and precision.\"
Vedanta\'s involvement with the Kalinga Lancers is part of its broader commitment to fostering youth development, community engagement, and sports infrastructure in Odisha. Beyond hockey, Vedanta has a strong track record of promoting local talent through grassroots initiatives in various sports, contributing to the state\'s rich sporting culture.
As the HIL season approaches, fans can look forward to high-octane matches and a rejuvenation of hockey in Odisha. With Vedanta\'s Kalinga Lancers leading the charge, the stage is set for an exhilarating competition.
Kalinga Lancers match schedule:
1. 30-Dec-24: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers vs UP Rudras – Rourkela
2. 03-Jan-25: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers vs Tamil Nadu Dragons – Rourkela
3. 05-Jan-25: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers vs Soorma Hockey Club – Rourkela
4. 06-Jan-25: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers vs Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers – Rourkela
5. 09-Jan-25: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers vs Gonasika – Rourkela
6. 12-Jan-25: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers vs Hyderabad Toofans – Rourkela
7. 16-Jan-25: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers vs Delhi SG Pipers – Rourkela
8. 19-Jan-25: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers vs Delhi SG Pipers – Rourkela
9. 24-Jan-25: Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers vs Vedanta Kalinga Lancers – Ranchi
10. 27-Jan-25: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers vs Soorma Hockey Club – Rourkela
Vedanta\'s presence in Odisha is significant, with the company operating India\'s largest aluminium plant (1.8 MTPA) in Jharsuguda, and a state-of-the-art alumina refinery (3.5 MTPA) in Kalahandi. Vedanta Aluminium has created more than 1,00,000 direct and indirect jobs in the state, further solidifying Odisha\'s position as a leader in India\'s industrial landscape. Additionally, through investments in coal, bauxite, ferrochrome, and iron ore, Vedanta plays a critical role in advancing the \"Make in India\" initiative, contributing nearly 50% of India\'s aluminium production and reducing the nation\'s dependency on imports.
About Vedanta Aluminium Business:
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India\'s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India\'s aluminium i.e., 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its leading sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the \'Metal of the Future\' for a greener tomorrow.
About Vedanta Limited:
Vedanta Limited (\"Vedanta\"), a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Limited, is one of the world\'s leading critical minerals, energy and technology companies spanning across India, South Africa, Namibia, Liberia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Taiwan and Japan with significant operations in Oil & Gas, Zinc, Lead, Silver, Copper, Iron Ore, Steel, Nickel, Aluminium, Power & Glass Substrate and foraying into electronics and display glass manufacturing. For two decades, Vedanta has been contributing significantly to nation building. Governance and sustainable development are at the core of Vedanta\'s strategy, with a strong focus on health, safety, and environment. Vedanta has put in place a comprehensive framework to be the ESG leader in the natural resources sector, is committed to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 or sooner and aims to spend $5 billion over the next 10 years to accelerate this transition. Giving back is in the DNA of Vedanta, which is focused on enhancing the lives of local communities. Anil Agarwal Foundation, the umbrella entity for Vedanta\'s social initiatives, has pledged Rs 5000 crore over the next five years on various social impact programs and its flagship project, Nand Ghar is setting up model anganwadis across India. Vedanta Ltd. ranked 3rd in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023, and has been listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. The company has also been certified as a Great Place to Work 2023. Vedanta Limited is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.
User :- Gaurvi Narang
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