The 43-year-old brings Olympic experience, Hockey India League credentials, and proven expertise in managing men’s and women’s teams
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, December 5, 2024: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers are excited to announce the appointment of Valentin Altenburg as Head Coach for the upcoming Hockey India League season. Altenburg, 43, is a highly respected name in international hockey, known for his tactical skills, leadership, and years of experience with the German national team.
Altenburg has been a key figure in German hockey for more than a decade. As the youngest senior man’s coach in the German Hockey Association’s (DHB) history, he led the German men’s team to a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has guided the team to strong performances in major tournaments, including silver medals at the European Championships in 2019 and 2021, and a bronze in 2023. In addition to his Olympic achievements, Altenburg has managed both men’s and women’s teams, bringing versatility and a comprehensive understanding of the game to his role.
Speaking on the appointment, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium, said: “Valentin Altenburg brings the right combination of youth and international experience to Kalinga Lancers as head coach. With an Olympic medal and rich experience with the German national team, he has managed both men’s and women’s teams as coach. This makes him an obvious choice to lead Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, which will gain from his tactical and analytical acumen. With the squad we have assembled and the support of David John and Dr. Subbaiah, we are ready to put up a strong fight.”
David John, Strategy Director for Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, added: “I’m looking forward to collaborating with Valentin. He has worked with Indian players and has coached at the highest levels, bringing the best out of players. His Olympic experience and practical approach to coaching will be a big help for the team as we aim to pick from where we left the last time.”
Expressing delight at his new role as the Head Coach, Altenburg said: “I’ve always admired Indian hockey, and I’m grateful to the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers for giving me this opportunity. We have a healthy mix of young and experienced national and international players in the squad, and I’m excited to work with the athletes and coaching staff. I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the team’s success.”
The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers are gearing up for an exciting season and will play their first match against UP Rudras in Rourkela on December 30.
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.
For further information, please contact:
| Sayesta Yamin Lead – Brand Communications Vedanta Aluminium[email protected] +91 844 715 3191 | Abhay Bhow Senior Account Director Concept PR[email protected] +91 98927 51311 |
For more information: Official Site – Vedanta Kalinga Lancers
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