Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], January 27 : Vedanta Kalinga Lancers were crowned Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 champions following a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Ranchi Royals at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, according to a release.
Following the team's title win on Monday, Captain Arthur Van Doren reflected on the season's challenges and credited the victory to the squad's chemistry and the support of the home crowd.
The championship win marks the culmination of a rapid four-week build-up for the squad. Highlighting the difficulty of creating a cohesive bond in such a short timeframe, Arthur said, "Four weeks to build a bond and shape a team is a very short time, and it is extremely challenging. That's why we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved. I believe we have done it very well--we have created a good, solid unit, and in the end, that was reflected on the pitch."
Addressing the tactical approach against a familiar opponent in the Ranchi Royals--whom they faced for the third time in the tournament--Arthur emphasised the importance of maintaining an offensive mindset.
"They are a fantastic team to play against, with a very attacking style that also makes for great entertainment for the spectators. We are extremely proud of how we performed against one of the best teams in the competition, and that is what matters most to us."
Even while protecting a narrow one-goal lead in the dying minutes of the match, the Lancers' strategy was to keep attacking rather than fall into a purely defensive shell.
"It is always important to keep playing our natural game. The danger in sitting back and only defending is that it allows the opposition to attack continuously. We made sure we stayed positive, kept attacking, and even though they created a few chances, we stood strong together as a unit," he added.
The Lancers' dominant run included only one loss throughout the tournament, and that too in a game which was a dead rubber for them as they had already secured their spot in Qualifier 1 by topping the league stage.
Highlighting the support of the home crowd in enabling such a successful run, Arthur commented, "The home crowd is always a huge bonus. The energy they bring lifts us--even if it's just by a few percent, it makes a real difference. That atmosphere is incredible, and we have loved every second of it."