Kalinga Lancers on Saturday announced India’s drag-flick specialist Sanjay and Belgium defender Arthur Van Doren as co-captains ahead of the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 season.
The HIL will be held from January 3 to 26, 2026, across Chennai, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar. Kalinga Lancers will begin their campaign against Ranchi Royals on January 4 in Chennai.
Kalinga Lancers Pick Experienced Leaders
Sanjay recently led India to a runner-up finish at the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, while Van Doren captained Belgium to the title, highlighting the strong leadership credentials both players bring into the season.
The Indian player made his senior debut during the 2022–23 FIH Hockey Pro League and has since become a regular member of the national side. Sanjay was part of India’s gold medal-winning team at the 2023 Asian Games and the historic bronze medal-winning campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Arjuna Awardee has earned 78 international caps so far.
Arthur Van Doren is regarded as one of the finest defenders in modern hockey. A Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist and 2023 World Cup champion, he has also won Olympic silver at Rio 2016 and World Cup silver in 2023. Currently leading Belgium in the FIH Hockey Pro League, Van Doren has amassed 276 international caps since making his senior debut in 2012.
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Expressing his excitement, Sanjay said, “It is a very special moment for me to lead Kalinga Lancers in the Hero Hockey India League. I have grown up watching this league, and this opportunity is truly remarkable. Sharing leadership with a player of Arthur’s stature will be a great learning experience, and together we will give our best to win the title.”
Van Doren added, “I am really excited to take on this role with Kalinga Lancers. Captaining a team in the HIL will be a new and thrilling experience. I look forward to reuniting with Sanjay and the rest of the squad.”
Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, said the appointments reflect the franchise’s belief in a balanced leadership approach. “Sanjay and Arthur represent the perfect blend of youth, experience and leadership. Their recent success with their national teams speaks volumes about their ability to lead from the front,” he said.
