Daijiworld Media Network - Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, Jan 27: Kalinga Lancers were crowned champions of the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 after edging past Ranchi Royals 3–2 in a hard-fought final at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Monday. The triumph capped a season defined by consistency, tactical discipline and collective clarity, with head coach Jay Stacy describing the title as a reflection of “everything the group committed to over the season.”
The Lancers’ title run was built on sustained dominance. They topped the league standings, won Qualifier 1, and delivered under pressure in the final, maintaining composure at every decisive stage of the tournament.
A solid defensive structure formed the backbone of their success. Kalinga Lancers conceded just 11 goals across the entire campaign — the best defensive record in the league. Their efficiency in penalty corners also stood out, as they finished with the highest conversion rate of 31.8 per cent. Belgian drag-flick specialist Alexander Hendrickx led the scoring for the team, netting 12 goals in nine matches and consistently delivering in crucial situations.
Head coach Jay Stacy underlined the importance of process-driven thinking and adaptability throughout the season. “This group showed an ability to learn, adjust and respond to different challenges as the competition progressed,” he said. “There were matches where we needed to control possession, others where we had to absorb sustained pressure, and times when defending deep was the right call.”
“What pleased me most was the honesty within the group. The players understood that every role mattered and that discipline without the ball was just as important as creativity with it. This title is the result of habits built over weeks, not just one performance on the final night,” Stacy added.
Team captain Arthur Van Doren highlighted the side’s mental strength in high-stakes encounters. “In knockout games, it’s the small moments that decide the outcome, and I think we managed those moments well,” he said. “We stayed calm when things became chaotic, trusted the structure we had worked on all season, and kept communicating under pressure.”
Van Doren also spoke of the pride of lifting the trophy in front of the home crowd. “Leading this group is special, and winning in Bhubaneswar adds another layer of meaning to it,” he said.
Hendrickx, who played a key role in the Lancers’ attacking success, credited the collective effort behind the championship. “I’m happy I could contribute when the team needed it, but those moments only happen because of the work of the entire group,” he said. “From earning penalty corners to building pressure, everything starts with how the team functions together.”
“Winning the HIL after weeks of working towards the same goal is an incredible feeling. We had clarity from the first day of the season, stayed committed to it, and to finish as champions in front of our home fans makes it truly special,” he added.
With a league-topping finish and victories in both Qualifier 1 and the final, Kalinga Lancers ????????? the Men’s Hockey India League 2025–26 season as deserving champions.