Arthur Van Doren on Kalinga Crowd: ‘10,000 Fans Here Feel Like 15,000’ Ahead of Lancers’ Home Run

Bhubaneswar - As Kalinga Lancers prepare to begin the decisive home leg of the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Saturday, captain Arthur Van Doren believes the team will draw strength from one of world hockey’s most electrifying atmospheres.

Currently topping the standings, the Lancers return to Bhubaneswar not just with momentum, but with a sense of familiarity and emotion. The Odisha capital, often described as the spiritual hub of Indian hockey, holds special significance for the Belgian defender.

“We know the final phase is here in Kalinga’s home city. Bhubaneswar and Odisha are truly hockey-loving places. The people who come to watch understand the game, and that makes it very special. We’re really looking forward to playing here, especially because we’re doing well,” Van Doren said.

Despite their strong start, the Lancers’ captain stressed that the focus remains on continuous improvement rather than comfort at the top.
“We began this competition very well, but the goal is to keep improving and reach our full potential. This should only be the beginning. This is the level we want to keep pushing,” he added.

For Van Doren, the home crowd can be a decisive factor. He described the Kalinga Stadium support as something that tangibly alters the intensity of a match.
“It definitely gives you a boost. When you know the crowd will be loud, it helps. The hard metres feel a little less hard,” he said.

Summing up the atmosphere, he remarked, “If there are 10,000 people in an Indian stadium, especially at a venue like Kalinga, it feels like 15,000. In Europe, 10,000 sometimes feels like just 10. Here, they shout for two.”

While home advantage brings expectations, Van Doren embraces that responsibility as part of leadership.
“Pressure is a privilege. The key is to focus on what we are doing well and build on it, without getting distracted by external factors. Hockey is a team sport — if one player has a bad day, there are 10 others to support him,” he said.

Bhubaneswar also holds a deeply personal memory for the Belgian captain. It was here, in 2018, that Belgium lifted their maiden Hockey World Cup.
“This is a very special place for me. Winning our first World Cup here is something I’ll never forget. People here truly love hockey — they understand it and follow it closely. As a foreign player, that makes playing here even more enjoyable, sometimes even more so than in Europe,” he said.

Within the Lancers’ squad, Van Doren has been impressed by the drive of the Indian players, particularly the younger lot.
“They’re constantly focused on hockey; it’s their top priority. Players like Deepak Pradhan and Rosan Kujur have grown tremendously over the past year. Rosan’s game awareness — when to attack, defend, accelerate or slow down — has improved a lot, and he still has plenty of room to grow,” he noted.

He also praised Dilpreet Singh for his flair, calling him a rare talent. “He has very silky skills, which you don’t often see in modern hockey.”

Off the pitch, Van Doren has found his own comfort in Odisha, especially through its cuisine.
“I’ve always loved Indian food. Dal makhani with roti is my favourite,” he said.

As the league enters its most crucial phase, the Kalinga Lancers will rely not just on tactics and form, but also on the roar of the stands, cherished memories, and a city that continues to live and breathe hockey.

— IANS