Vedanta Limited has acquired full ownership of the Kalinga Lancers, a hockey team based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The acquisition, previously co-owned by Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), was announced during a franchise event in New Delhi. The move comes as the Hockey India League (HIL) is set to return.
The Kalinga Lancers, former HIL champions, will now be fully owned by Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited. This acquisition is part of Vedanta’s broader initiative to promote sports in Odisha and enhance the team’s performance in future HIL seasons.
“At Vedanta, we are deeply committed to transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse. Hockey has been one of the pillars of India’s sporting success, as demonstrated by our recent Olympic victories. With the acquisition of the Kalinga Lancers, we are not only investing in the team but in the future of Indian hockey. By enhancing infrastructure, nurturing grassroots talent, and providing specialized training, we aim to foster the next generation of athletes who will represent India proudly on the global stage,”Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Limited and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, said.
Vedanta’s involvement in Odisha extends beyond sports, with the company having invested in the region’s socio-economic development for over two decades. This acquisition aligns with its goal to establish Odisha as a centre for sports development, particularly in hockey.
Looking ahead to the upcoming HIL season, Vedanta plans to strengthen the Kalinga Lancers’ team and improve their position in the league. The company will focus on improving infrastructure, securing sponsorships, and exploring partnerships to support the team’s growth.