Players of Kalinga Lancers at a practice session at Kalinga Sports Complex in Bhubaneswar on Friday. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 10: Players of the state-based Idco-MCL Kalinga Lancers franchise, which would make its debut in the second edition of Hockey India League (HIL), started their practice on the newly built synthetic turf at Kalinga Sports Complex from today.

While players from the country joined the training camp today, foreign players will join them on January 19. The practice session would be held in two sessions, including one in the evening to make players acquainted with the new floodlights of the stadium.

Donning orange jerseys, the players were spotted sweating it out under the guidance of Lazarus Barla, assistant coach of the franchise.

“We have a good and young team. We are very much optimistic that the team would put up a good show in the tournament,” said Barla, a former Olympian.

The second edition of HIL would begin from January 25 and Kalinga Lancers’ journey starts on January 28, when they take on Punjab Warriors. The team would play five matches in its home turf at the Kalinga Sports Complex. The matches are scheduled to be held on January 28, February 1, February 2, February 13 and February 14. All the matches would be played under floodlights.

The players too seemed positive about the performance of the team.

“Our team has a combination of young and experienced players. We are looking forward to the tournament,” said Mandeep Antil, who would feature in HIL for the first time.

A number of hockey enthusiasts were also spotted taking photographs with the players.

The state sports department has expedited the stadium-related work, including installation of chairs, electrical equipment and ground levelling, to facilitate the tournament.

“The stands have been given a tricolour look to make the live telecast exciting. Within a week, all work would be complete,” said an official. Even the synthetic turf has a pink-blue combination to make live telecast more attractive.

The franchise owners Idco-MCL are also planning to charge for tickets expecting a huge turnout.

“Though the cost of tickets is yet to be finalised, we are expecting a large turnout,” said an Idco official.