How is the Men's HIL Group Expanding with Each Session, According to Jay Stacy Following Kalinga Lancers' 4-2 Victory Over Ranchi Royals?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Kalinga Lancers commenced their 2026 HIL season with a hard-fought 4-2 victory against Ranchi Royals. Key players Alexander Hendrickx and Gursahibjit Singh showcased stellar performances, contributing two goals each and emphasizing the team's collective effort. Coach Jay Stacy highlighted the importance of teamwork and strategic improvements as they prepare for their next challenge. Don't miss the action!
Key Takeaways
- Teamwork: Collective efforts are crucial for success.
- Adaptability: Quick adjustments can turn the tide of a game.
- Game Management: Managing leads effectively is vital.
- Discipline: Maintaining structure is essential against strong opponents.
- Continuous Improvement: Focus on refining strategies and decision-making.
Chennai, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Kalinga Lancers kicked off the men's Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 season on a winning note by defeating the Ranchi Royals 4-2 at the prestigious Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai. Alexander Hendrickx (7’, 28’) along with Gursahibjit Singh (16’, 26’) each netted two goals, allowing the Kalinga Lancers to recover from an early setback, take command of the match, and secure the initial points of the season.
After falling behind 1-2 in the first quarter, the Lancers quickly adapted their strategy, enhancing their structure and ball movement. Alexander Hendrickx drew level with a perfectly executed penalty corner, and Gursahibjit Singh scored two field goals in the second quarter to give the Lancers the lead. Before halftime, Hendrickx added another penalty corner goal, widening the gap to two.
In the second half, the Kalinga Lancers maintained discipline, fending off pressure and defending robustly to maintain their advantage. They successfully thwarted multiple penalty corner opportunities and controlled the game towards the end, ultimately clinching the victory.
Reflecting on his performance, double goal scorer Gursahibjit Singh stated, “It’s incredibly satisfying to contribute two goals, and it was a true team effort. Our aim is to improve with each match and finish strong on the podium.”
Discussing the dynamics of the league and team synergy, he remarked, “This has been a fantastic learning opportunity for all of us young players. The team is developing great camaraderie, and we intend to keep enhancing that.”
Head coach Jay Stacy spoke about the group's progress in coordination and overall structure, saying, “Everything is progressing well. From our camp in Bhubaneswar, the players began to connect from the outset. The energy off the pitch was positive from day one. Initially, there was some miscommunication on the field, but it has steadily improved with each session and was evident during this match.”
On assessing the team's performance, he added, “All teams in this league are quite formidable, featuring top-tier foreign and Indian players, so our focus is on our frameworks and maintaining discipline within those structures.”
“We collaborated strongly in defense as a unit. Although there’s room for enhancement, the effort was commendable. Going forward, we’ll aim to enhance our attacking flow at the right moments. Our decision-making on when to counterattack and when to maintain possession is an area ripe for improvement,” he noted.
Summarizing the key lessons, Stacy concluded, “Game management is crucial. When we have the lead, we must avoid unnecessary risks and adjust to the circumstances. Holding the ball when necessary and selecting the right moments to attack will be vital, as most matches are likely to be tightly contested.”
The Kalinga Lancers are set to face the defending champions, Shrachi Bengal Tigers, in their upcoming match on January 8.
Point of View
It is evident that the Kalinga Lancers' opening victory in the HIL 2026 season reflects their potential and growth as a team. The balancing act of individual talent and cohesive teamwork will be crucial throughout the league. Observing how they adapt and evolve in subsequent matches will be key to their success moving forward.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Kalinga Lancers vs Ranchi Royals match?
The Kalinga Lancers won the match 4-2 against the Ranchi Royals.
Who were the standout players in the match?
Alexander Hendrickx and Gursahibjit Singh each scored two goals for the Kalinga Lancers.
When is the next match for the Kalinga Lancers?
The Kalinga Lancers will play against the Shrachi Bengal Tigers on January 8.
What did Coach Jay Stacy say about the team's performance?
Coach Jay Stacy highlighted the team's discipline and structure, noting improvements in communication and teamwork.
Where did the match take place?
The match was held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai.
