NEW DELHI, OCT 4
Reinforcing its long-standing commitment to promoting sports in Odisha, Vedanta Limited announced its acquisition of the Kalinga Lancers, a premier hockey team based in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, on Friday.
At a franchise event held in the national capital ahead of the highly anticipated return of the Hockey India League (HIL), this acquisition is significant as Odisha has long been a region where Vedanta plays a pivotal role in socio-economic development.
Notably, the former HIL champions, the Kalinga Lancers, were previously co-owned by the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). Vedanta Aluminium now assumes full ownership, aiming to further build on the team’s legacy of excellence and enhance its standing in future HIL seasons.
Commenting on this landmark acquisition, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Limited and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, stated, “At Vedanta, we are committed to transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse. Hockey has been one of the pillars of India’s sports success, and recent Olympic victories highlight its potential.”
“With our acquisition of the Kalinga Lancers, we are investing not only in the team but also in the future of Indian hockey. Through enhanced infrastructure, grassroots talent scouting, and focused training, we aim to foster a new generation of athletes who will proudly represent India on the world stage,” Hebbar added.
This acquisition marks another step in Vedanta’s mission to blend business growth with impactful community development, positioning Odisha as a hub of sports excellence in India.
Besides, Vedanta’s strategic focus will be on assembling a competitive team for the upcoming HIL season by strengthening infrastructure, securing sponsorships, and exploring partnerships to enhance the Lancers’ position in the league.
