Bhubaneswar, Jan 17 (NationPress) As the Kalinga Lancers prepare to step onto the pitch at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium this Saturday, their objective extends beyond retaining their leading position in the league. Captain Arthur Van Doren regards this venue as one of the most exceptional in the realm of hockey.

The concluding phase of the Men’s Hockey India League 2025–26 commences in the capital of Odisha, a city that has quietly established itself as the spiritual origin of Indian hockey. For Van Doren, this return is both a tactical move and a deeply personal journey.

“Naturally, we are aware that the final stage will occur here in Bhubaneswar, the home city of Kalinga. The atmosphere in Bhubaneswar and across Odisha is one that celebrates hockey. The audience here are true hockey enthusiasts, and we eagerly anticipate playing in front of them, especially as we are performing well,” stated the Belgian defender.

The Lancers have been at the forefront this season; however, Van Doren stresses that the emphasis is on continual improvement rather than complacency.

“We started this competition strongly and aim to enhance, develop, and ensure we reach our full potential to secure success,” he remarked. “This is hopefully just the beginning, and this is the standard we intend to uphold and advance.”

If form serves as the foundation, then the crowd in Bhubaneswar might be the final touch. Van Doren describes the Kalinga Stadium crowd as a force that alters the physical tempo of the game.

“I believe it provides a boost, without a doubt. Knowing that the crowd here will be incredibly loud will only aid us. It makes the challenging moments a bit less daunting,” he said with a grin.

Later, he encapsulated the experience in one word—impressive.

“When there are 10,000 fans in an Indian stadium, particularly at venues like Kalinga Stadium, it feels like 15,000. In Europe, 10,000 can sometimes feel like just 10. Here, they cheer for two,” he added.

However, the home advantage also brings its own expectations, which Van Doren faces directly as captain. “Pressure is a privilege,” he remarked. “The key is to focus on what is working well for us and to build on it, rather than get distracted by external factors. Hockey is a team sport—if you have an off day, you have 10 teammates to support you.”

His connection to Bhubaneswar extends beyond the league timetable. In 2018, it was in this city that Belgium claimed their inaugural Hockey World Cup—a moment etched in his memory.

“For me, this is a particularly special place. We achieved our first World Cup victory here with Belgium, so I hold this ground in high regard. The people here are true hockey fans—they follow the sport closely. As an international player, it’s a pleasure to come here because the support feels even more intense than in Europe,” he explained.

Within the Lancers’ squad, Van Doren has noticed the strong ambition of Indian players, especially the youth who are shaping the team's future.

“They are constantly engaged with hockey—it’s their top priority,” he said. “Players like Deepak Pradhan and Rosan Kujur have shown tremendous development over the past year. Rosan’s ability to discern when to attack, defend, accelerate, or slow down has improved significantly, and he still has much potential.”

He also praised Dilpreet Singh for his skill, stating, “He possesses exceptional skills that are becoming rare in modern hockey.”

Apart from tactics and training, the captain has found joy in the simple pleasures of Odisha, especially in the culinary delights. “I have always had a fondness for Indian cuisine, and my favorite dish is dal makhani with roti,” he shared.

As the league enters its crucial phase, the Lancers will rely not only on their points and strategies but also on the enthusiastic atmosphere, the roar of the crowd, and a city that is passionately devoted to hockey.