The first day of the camp saw the players undergo a strategy meeting under the supervision of the team\u2019s Technical & Strategy Coach, Pascal Kina, as the franchise began laying a foundation for the new season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian players currently attending the camp include Captain Sanjay, goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak and defenders Partap Lakra, Rohit Kullu, and Sunil P B. Rabichandra Moirangthem, Rosan Kujur, Dilpreet Singh, and Amit Kumar Toppo in midfield and forwards Angab Bir Singh, Deepak Pradhan, Gursahibjit Singh, and Boby Singh Dhami.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pascal Kina, who joins Vedanta Kalinga Lancers with over 15 years of experience in international hockey, has worked extensively across Europe and with teams in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, China, and Korea however, the Hero HIL will be his first tournament in India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his arrival and early impressions, Kina said, \u201cThis is my first time in India and I am really happy to be here. I\u2019ve been involved in international hockey for many years but India was one place I had never been to until now. I\u2019m proud to represent Vedanta Kalinga Lancers and it has already been an exciting start.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about the focus of the early training phase with the Indian players, he added, \u201cThis period is important for fitness work, testing, and getting to know the players. I didn\u2019t know these guys before, so making that first connection and building cohesion within the group is very important for me.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With only a few days available to set up the team, Kina expressed confidence in the squad when he shared, \u201cThese are a good set of players and I am confident about this season. On the 28th we already have a practice match scheduled. Most of the overseas players are coming from their national team camps, so they will be match-ready which makes it ideal and I believe we\u2019ll have enough time to prepare well for the league.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about the focus of the early training phase with the Indian players, he added, \u201cThis period is important for fitness work, testing, and getting to know the players. I didn\u2019t know these guys before, so making that first connection and building cohesion within the group is very important for me.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The foreign players, along with head coach Jay Stacy, are set to join the squad after Christmas as Vedanta Kalinga Lancers step up preparations for the upcoming Hero HIL 2026 season. They will face Ranchi Royals in their first game on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Chennai.<\/p>\r\n\r\n