Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 25: The head coach of New Zealand’s women’s team Mark Hager has been appointed as the new coach of the Kalinga Lancers team for the IVth edition of Hockey India League- 2016 to be played January 18-February 21.
Former team India goalkeeper AB Subbaiah has been appointed as the team manager while Australian physiologists David John will be the new trainer for the team. Physiotherapist Mukti Prasad Das and video analyst Ganesh Kar however, have been retained by the side.
Former Australian hockey star Hager with 230 caps and 179 goals to his name, has been coaching the New Zealand women’s team since 2009. He guided the team to victory at the 2009 Champions Challenge, runners-up at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, third place finish at the 2011 Champions Trophy.
Kalinga Lancers have been appointing new coaches every year, but a good result is still eluding them. Australian Terry Walsh was the coach of the Orissa-based franchise in the first edition and the team finished last. Jude Felix was appointed for the 2014 edition and the team disappointed with a fifth-place finish. With Hager’s appointment Lancers are hoping for a change in fortunes.
