Coach Jude Felix expects better HIL season for Lancers

Bhubaneswar: Kalinga Lancers coach Jude Felix feels that his boys will deliver stand-out perfomances in the third edition of the Hockey India League (HIL) which starts here Jan 22.

"With a lot of young players in this line-up, the team looks sharper and is in the process of doing new things. Players like Lalit Kumar and Amir Khan are much more mature now and if groomed properly, they'll definitely stand out this time. There's a lot of talent and I am confident that the boys will do well as compared to the last year," said the former India coach.

Felix, who is also a former India captain, said that the league has helped the game to grow in India.

"HIL is helping the game of hockey to grow and thrive in the nation. If you go by the past seasons, Delhi Waveriders have been in the two finals and they are one of the stronger sides," said the Arjuna awardee.

"The other teams are equally formidable and it’s all about how you take the challenge and play with what intensity. We are working on our game and I expect a better term for the Lancers this time,” added the former centre-half.

Debuting last year, the Lancers finished sixth and last with only two wins out of 10 matches.

The opening day of the HIL will see the Lancers take on Ranchi Rays here.