The roar of Bhubaneswar fans echoed through Kalinga Hockey Stadium as Kalinga Lancers defeated Ranchi Royals 3-2 in a nail-biting Hockey India League 2025-26 final. Skipper Arthur van Doren dedicated the championship to the squad’s solid chemistry, shared vision, and the phenomenal backing from local spectators.
Speaking after the win, van Doren delved into the challenges of rapid team-building. ‘Uniting in mere four weeks was tough—we had to create that essential bond quickly,’ he shared. ‘Yet, we transformed into a formidable team, evident in our commanding display. Pride doesn’t even cover it.’
Van Doren tipped his hat to the runners-up. ‘Ranchi Royals are among the most exciting, attack-minded teams we’ve seen,’ he said. ‘Knowing their style from prior clashes, we attacked proactively. This victory over them is priceless.’
With victory in sight but minutes ticking away, Lancers eschewed caution for flair. ‘Hunkering down defensively ramps up anxiety,’ van Doren observed. ‘We embraced our aggressive instincts, stayed cohesive, and triumphed.’
The captain singled out the audience’s impact. ‘Home crowd energy is our secret weapon—it fuels us. The vibe was phenomenal; we lived every instant.’
Dominating the league with only one loss in a meaningless fixture post-clinching the top spot, Lancers’ journey to glory highlights resilience and strategy. As HIL champions, they inspire a new era of high-stakes hockey in India.