Rourkela, January 20 – Thierry Brinkman and Alexander Hendrickx scored two goals each to help Vedanta Kalinga Lancers rally to level at 5-all in regulation time before winning the shootout 3-2 against Delhi SG Pipers in their opening pool A match in the second phase of the Hero Hockey India League at the Birsa Munda Stadium here on Sunday.
Kalinga Lancers, who routed Pipers 5-1 in their first phase meeting on Thursday, drew first blood in the 12th minute through Hendrickx’ penalty corner. However, Pipers scored four times in the second quarter through two goals by Tomas Domene and one each by Corey Weyer and Koji Yamasaki to gain the upper hand at half-time.
Brinkman scored his first goal of the match in the third quarter before Domene set up Dilraj Singh as Pipers led 5-2 going into the final quarter. However, Antoine Kina spun a magical web as he set up Brinkman’s eighth goal of the tournament and then for Angad Bir Singh to score in the 49th minute, before Hendrickx converted a penalty corner for Kalinga Lancers to force a shootout.
“Very impressed by the attitude our team showed in the second half, regaining control step by step, playing Kalinga Lancers style hockey step by step, by also being very brave,” coach Valentin Altenburg said.
“We saw players stepping up to the table with the pressure mounting. It was a do-or-die game, we needed to win tonight. It was very inspiring and a real team effort,” he added.
Kalinga Lancers’ Boby Singh Dhami was declared player of the match. Kalinga Lancers, who now have 12 points from eight matches, next meet Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on Friday, January 24.
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.
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