Bhubaneswar, Dec 20 : Ahead of the upcoming Hockey India League season, Kalinga Lancers announced on Saturday the appointment of Indiaâ??s Sanjay and Belgium stalwart Arthur Van Doren as co-captains of the team.

The HIL 2026 will be held from January 3 to 26, 2026, across Chennai, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar. Kalinga Lancers will begin their HIL 2026 campaign against Ranchi Royals on January 4, 2026, in Chennai.

India drag-flicker Sanjay recently led the national team to a runners-up finish, while Van Doren captained Belgium to the title at the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in November 2025, underscoring the leadership pedigree both players bring to Kalinga Lancers into the new season.

Hailing from Haryana, Sanjay rose swiftly through the junior ranks, featuring at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and the 2021 Junior World Cup, where he served as vice-captain and was the teamâ??s top goal-scorer. He made his senior team debut in the 2022â??23 FIH Hockey Pro League and has since been a regular fixture in the Indian setup.

He was part of Indiaâ??s gold-medal-winning campaign at the 2023 Asian Games and the historic bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Arjuna Awardee has represented India in 78 international matches to date.

Arthur Van Doren, meanwhile, is one of modern hockeyâ??s most decorated defenders. A Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist and 2023 World Cup champion, he also won silver at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the 2023 World Cup. Currently leading Belgium in the ongoing FIH Hockey Pro League, Van Doren has earned 276 international caps since his senior debut in 2012.

Speaking on his new role, Sanjay said, â??It is a very special moment for me to lead Kalinga Lancers in the Hero Hockey India League. I have grown up watching this league, and getting this opportunity is truly remarkable. I am grateful to the franchise management and coaching staff for the trust they have shown in me. Sharing the leadership role with a player of Arthurâ??s stature will be a great learning experience, and together we will give our absolute best to win the title.â??

Arthur Van Doren added, â??I am really excited to take on this role with Kalinga Lancers. Leadership is something I am enjoying with the national team, and captaining a side in the HIL will be a new and thrilling experience. I would like to thank the owners and coaches for the opportunity. I am looking forward to reuniting with Sanjay and the rest of the squad and getting started.â??

Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, said, â??We are delighted to appoint Sanjay and Arthur Van Doren as co-captains ahead of the new HIL season. They represent the perfect blend of youth, experience and leadership within our squad. Both have recently led their national teams to the finals of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which speaks volumes about their temperament and ability to lead from the front. With less than a month to go for the new season, we are excited to begin our preparations and work towards achieving our goals.â??

/IANS