Rourkela, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Kalinga Lancers have officially named Aran Zalewski, a silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics and a three-time Olympian, as their captain. Previously a co-captain of the Kookaburras, he brings significant experience and was instrumental in the Australian hockey team's achievements.

The recently retired Australian captain will step into his role immediately as the team gears up for their first match in the Hockey League against UP Rudras on December 30.

Under the ownership of Vedanta, the Kalinga Lancers feature a strong mix of seasoned athletes like Thierry Brinkman and Alexander Hendrickx, along with emerging Indian stars such as Krishan Pathak, Rosan Kujur, and Sanjay. The squad will be guided by the expertise of German coach Valentin Altenburg.

While introducing their new captain, coach Altenburg commented, "With a team filled with superstars and natural leaders, choosing a captain is a delightful challenge for any coach. Aran’s remarkable skill on the field is evident, and his leadership since taking on the role of co-captain of the Australian team in 2018 has been truly motivating. Although our lineup features considerable experience and outstanding potential, we believe Aran is ideally suited to lead this talented group as we aim to honor Odisha’s proud hockey legacy and strive for the championship title."

Aran expressed his enthusiasm for his new position, stating, "I’m sincerely thankful for the trust the team has placed in me. We possess a phenomenal blend of talent, and it’s a privilege to share the locker room with players like Thierry, Krishan, Sanjay, and the younger athletes. Representing the team from Bhubaneswar is a great honor, especially as Odisha is the heart of hockey in India. We are all excited and prepared to excel on the field and give our utmost for our fans and the legacy of this remarkable state."

Recently, the squad convened in Bhubaneswar, where they unveiled their new jersey, anthem, and mascot in front of all 16 Indian players. The home kit features a vibrant combination of blue and green, while the away kit maintains the lively orange and white.

This new design thoughtfully incorporates aspects of history, art, geography, and advancement, paying tribute to Odisha’s rich cultural heritage while also reflecting its progressive aspirations.

Squad:

Defenders: Sanjay, Mandeep Mor, Alexander Hendrickx, Arthur Van Doren, Antoine Kina, Partap Lakra, Sushil Dhanwar, Rohit Kullu

Midfielders: Aran Zalewski, Moriangthem Rabichandra, Enrique Gonzalez, Mukesh Toppo, Rosan Kujur, Nicholas Bandurak

Forwards: Boby Singh Dhami, Dilpreet Singh, Thierry Brinkman, Angad Bir Singh, Roshan Minz, Gursahibjit Singh, Deepak Pradhan

Goalkeepers: Krishan Pathak, Tobias Reynolds-Cotterill, Sahil Kumar Nayak