The Business Bytes
New Delhi, October 14, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Vedanta Limited has appointed David John as Strategy Director and Dr. A.B. Subbaiah as Team Manager for the Kalinga Lancers, ahead of the highly anticipated return of the Hockey India League (HIL) in 2024, following a seven-year hiatus. These strategic appointments reflect Vedanta’s commitment to building a top-performing team, poised to excel in the upcoming HIL season.
Speaking about the appointments, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “We are excited to welcome David John and Dr. A.B. Subbaiah to the Kalinga Lancers leadership. Their vast experience and deep knowledge of hockey will be pivotal in shaping the team’s performance. At Vedanta, we are passionate about promoting sports and nurturing talent, with hockey being particularly close to our hearts. Their leadership will undoubtedly help guide the Kalinga Lancers toward success in this year’s Hockey India League.”
David John, a seasoned figure in Indian hockey since 2011, has served as the exercise physiologist for the national men’s team and as High-Performance Director of Hockey India. In his new role as Strategy Director, David will focus on elevating the Kalinga Lancers to the top of the league. He will develop winning match strategies, oversee player acquisitions during the upcoming auction, and ensure the team’s readiness across physical, mental, and nutritional aspects. Additionally, he will conduct leadership meetings and provide post-season performance reviews to shape the team’s long-term success.
Commenting on his new role, David John said, “I’m thrilled to be working with the Kalinga Lancers. My goal is to craft a strategy that seamlessly blends technical expertise with a tactical mindset, allowing the team to maximize its strengths. We’re also looking forward to the player auction, where we aim to bring in the best talent available.”
Dr. A.B. Subbaiah, a former India captain, Arjuna awardee, and renowned goalkeeper, joins the team as Manager. With his wealth of experience as both a player and coach, Dr. Subbaiah will manage all aspects of team logistics, including communication, equipment, travel, and risk management, ensuring the smooth functioning of the team on and off the field.
Sharing his thoughts, Dr. A.B. Subbaiah said, “I’m excited to contribute to the Kalinga Lancers and look forward to building a world-class team. With my experience, I’m confident we will create a squad that wins not only tournaments but also the hearts of fans.”
Vedanta’s acquisition of the Kalinga Lancers is part of its broader commitment to socio-economic development in Odisha. The company is dedicated to strengthening the state’s hockey culture and nurturing local talent. By investing in the team, Vedanta is not only fostering sporting excellence but also inspiring future athletes and contributing to the overall development of the community.
