Kalinga Lancers began their Hockey India League 2026 campaign with a 4-2 victory over Ranchi Royals. Despite an early deficit, the Lancers scored three goals in the second quarter and maintained their lead through a solid defensive performance in the second half. Alexander Hendrickx and Gursahibjit Singh each scored twice for Kalinga Lancers, while Tom Boon and Mandeep Singh found the net for Ranchi Royals.