Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, the Odisha-based franchise in the upcoming Hockey India League, unveiled their official jersey and team anthem today in a grand event held in Bhubaneswar. The home jersey features a striking combination of blue and green, while the away jersey retains the vibrant orange and white. The jersey was officially revealed by Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha and Sunil Gupta, COO – Vedanta Aluminium and Director – Kalinga Lancers, Mr Bhaskar Sarma, IAS, Principle Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department along with the Indian players who will represent Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in the league starting December 28th.
The new jersey design intricately blends history, art, geography, and progress, paying tribute to Odisha’s rich heritage and forward-looking aspirations. It is a visual narrative of the state’s unique cultural elements, its connection to nature, and its spirit of progress.
At the heart of the design is the Konark Wheel, a homage to the iconic Sun Temple of Konark and a symbol of Odisha’s historic and architectural marvels. The jersey also celebrates the state’s artistic traditions, featuring:
● Chhau dance motifs from North Odisha,
● Ghumra dance patterns from the South, and
● Sambalpuri designs represent the vibrant art forms of Western Odisha.
The modern aspect of the design is inspired by Vedanta’s vision for progress. A leafy wave at the bottom, drawn from the Vedanta logo, symbolizes growth and dynamism, seamlessly blending with the historical motifs. Additionally, the jersey’s upper section features waves symbolizing the Mahanadi River, flowing from Hirakud Dam to the delta, capturing Odisha’s geographical lifeblood and connection to the sea. Staying close to the roots, the team’s mascot, named Jeet, is based on the Odisha state bird, Indian roller aka Blue Jay.
Kalinga Lancers anthem, ‘Jazba Jeet Ka’ seamlessly blends and reflects their ideology of persistence and hard work. The anthem is sung by Rituraj Mohanty, Bollywood singer from Odisha and is produced by the agency Campaign Scout India.
Sunil Gupta, Director – Kalinga Lancers and COO – Vedanta Aluminium, expressed his pride at the unveiling event, saying, “Hockey holds a special place in Odisha, and being part of a franchise that represents the state’s deep-rooted love for the sport is a matter of immense pride. The jersey beautifully embodies Odisha’s history, culture, and aspirations, and we are excited to take the field and contribute to the growth of hockey in India.”
Vedanta has consistently invested in sports that deserve greater attention and support, fostering talent and building world-class infrastructure. Initiatives like the Sesa Football Academy in Goa and the Zinc Football Academy in Rajasthan have shaped professional footballers. Vedanta is also developing the Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium in Jaipur, set to become the world’s third-largest cricket stadium.
With the Hockey India League on the horizon, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers are ready to proudly represent Odisha and celebrate the sport that is an emotion for millions.
About Kalinga Lancers:
Kalinga Lancers is a premier hockey franchise in the Hockey India League, proudly representing the state of Odisha. Owned by Vedanta Limited, the team embodies the company’s commitment to promoting sports and nurturing young talent.
As Vedanta’s first venture into sports team ownership, Kalinga Lancers represents a significant milestone in its journey to contribute meaningfully to India’s sports ecosystem. Vedanta’s passion for sports is evident through its investments across sporting disciplines such as football, cricket, marathons, pickleball, and archery, contributing towards fostering a culture of excellence and opportunity in sports.
