Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Lancers just scored big in their preparations for the Hockey India League! The team has brought on board Australian hockey legend Jay Stacy as their new head coach, replacing German coach Valentin Altenburg who guided them in the last season.
Stacy is no stranger to the spotlight. The 51-year-old star played 321 international matches for Australia and shone in four Olympic Games, grabbing three medals—a silver in Barcelona 1992, bronze in Atlanta 1996, and another bronze in Sydney 2000. He also led Australia to gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur and the 1999 Champions Trophy. In 1999, he even earned the title of FIH Player of the Year before retiring in 2000 as Australia’s most-capped player.
Excited about his new role, Stacy shared in a statement: “I’m thrilled to kick off this new chapter with Vedanta Kalinga Lancers and return to the Hockey India League. The league has grown so much since my last time here as coach. It taught me tons back then, and I’m sure this will be another amazing ride—being back in India and teaming up with such a great franchise. A big thanks to Vedanta Kalinga Lancers for this chance; I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”
Stacy’s coaching chops are impressive too. He’s worked with clubs and national teams in Australia, the Netherlands, and Belgium. He even headed the Mumbai franchise in the Hockey India League’s 2016 and 2017 seasons. Since 2022, he’s been leading Australia’s junior team, sharpening young talents.
The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers gave a shoutout to outgoing coach Valentin Altenburg, praising him for building a strong squad.
Welcoming Stacy warmly, Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said: “We’re over the moon to have Jay join the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers family. His incredible achievements make him one of the most respected names in international hockey. With a coach like him, we’ll push our team to new heights, chase that Hockey India League title, and help our players shine in their careers.”
Hockey fans, get ready—this could be an exciting season for the Kalinga Lancers!
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