Olympic medal-winning coach Valentin Altenburg joins Kalinga Lancers

Former Germany head coach Valentin Altenburg has joined the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers as the head coach for the upcoming Hockey India League 2024.

Valentin led Germany to a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics and is the youngest senior men's team coach in Germany's hockey history.

He has also guided the national team to silver medals at the European Championships in 2019 and 2021, and a bronze in 2023.

"I've always admired Indian hockey, and I’m grateful to the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers for giving me this opportunity," Altenburg was quoted as saying in a release.

"We have a healthy mix of young and experienced national and international players in the squad. I can't wait to get started and contribute to the team's success." David John, the strategy director for Lancers, said the German coach has worked with Indian players and has coached at the highest levels.

"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," John added.

The Hockey India League is returning after a seven-year hiatus and will feature eight teams in the men's tournament and four teams in the first-ever women's tournament.

Kalinga Lancers remain the only franchise that featured in the previous editions of the league and will open their season playing against UP Rudras on 30th December.