German hockey association

Hockey India League: Kalinga Lancers have appointed Valentin Altenburg as head coach for the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) season. Altenburg, 43, is a highly respected name in international hockey, known for his tactical skills, leadership, and years of experience with the German national team.

Altenburg has been a key figure in German hockey for more than a decade. As the youngest senior man’s coach in the German Hockey Association’s (DHB) history, he led the German men’s team to a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has guided the team to strong performances in major tournaments, including silver medals at the European Championships in 2019 and 2021, and a bronze in 2023. In addition to his Olympic achievements, Altenburg has managed both men’s and women’s teams, bringing versatility and a comprehensive understanding of the game to his role.

Expressing delight at his new role as the head coach, Altenburg said: “I’ve always admired Indian hockey, and I’m grateful to the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers for giving me this opportunity. We have a healthy mix of young and experienced national and international players in the squad, and I’m excited to work with the athletes and coaching staff. I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the team’s success.”