Kalinga Black Tigers Unveil Jersey and Mascot; Set to Represent Odisha on National Rugby Stage

Kalinga Black Tigers Unveil Jersey and Mascot; Set to Represent Odisha on National Rugby Stage

As India steps into a new era of professional sports with the launch of its inaugural Rugby Premier League, the Kalinga Black Tigers, one of the league’s founding teams, celebrated a major milestone on June 7, 2025, by unveiling their official jersey and mascot at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Backed by Hunch Ventures, an investment firm deeply rooted in Odisha, the Kalinga Black Tigers represent more than just a sporting franchise; they embody a broader vision for the state’s development and recognition on the national stage. Hunch Ventures has consistently supported Odisha through impactful initiatives.

Earlier this year, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Startup Odisha in a landmark move to strengthen the region’s startup ecosystem. With the Kalinga Black Tigers, Hunch continues its commitment to nurturing talent, celebrating regional identity, and bringing Odisha to the forefront of national conversations.

The event was attended by several prominent dignitaries and key patrons of the Rugby Premier League, including Mr. Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India; Mr. Priyadarshi Mishra, President of the Odisha Rugby Football Association (ORFA); Mr. Karanpal Singh, Founder of Hunch Ventures and Co-owner of the Kalinga Black Tigers; Head Coach Mike Friday; Assistant Coach Rajeev Nath; along with the complete team roster of the Kalinga Black Tigers. The event was also honored by the presence of Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha.

The occasion also marked a historic milestone for the state of Odisha. While the state has long championed the development of rugby at the grassroots level, nurturing talent across districts through the dedication of coaches, institutions, and local communities, it is for the first time that Odisha is being represented at the national league level in a global sport. It is the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream and a powerful testament to Odisha’s growing stature and unwavering commitment to the national sports arena.

Mr. Rahul Bose and Mr. Karanpal Singh officially unveiled the Kalinga Black Tigers’ jersey, marking a proud moment for the team and the state. The newly unveiled jersey is a striking tribute to Odisha’s rich heritage and indomitable spirit. Inspired by the rare and powerful melanistic black tigers native to the region’s forests, the design reflects the team’s core values of strength and resilience. Adding to the cultural symbolism, the team also introduced its official mascot, the “Paika,” representing the valor of the legendary Kalinga warriors and capturing the legacy and pride that the team stands for. 

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, said, “It gives the RPL Governing Council great happiness that the League has a team from the state of Odisha. Odisha’s contribution to Indian sport, both on and off the field is a well documented story. Its contribution to Indian Rugby was and is significant. The Kalinga Black Tigers have a formidable team with some of the best known rugby players in the world and in India. We wish them all the best in their efforts to take Indian rugby onto the global stage.” 

Sharing his vision, Mr. Karanpal Singh, Founder of Hunch Ventures and team owner, added, “Hunch has been supporting rugby over the years. Almost half of Our Women’s National team consisted of Odias ,who went on to win the silver in the Asia sevens in 2021. KBT is named after The black tigers , indigenous to Odisha, symbolising power and agility. ” He further added “Rugby, is a high-intensity full contact sport, and will resonate well with the audiences both in Odisha and nationally.”

Head Coach Mike Friday expressed his excitement about the team’s future. “Rugby is growing rapidly worldwide, and I’m thrilled to see it gaining attention in India with the launch of the Rugby Premier League. The Kalinga Black Tigers combine world-class players like Rosko, Perry, Maurice Harry, and Lucas with talented Indian athletes, creating a powerful and dynamic team. Having worked with them, I’m confident their passion, resilience, and team spirit will shine through as they proudly represent Odisha. With the right mix of collective energy, determination, and skill, the Black Tigers are set to be strong contenders in the series. Get ready for the “Ambush”.

The event set a confident tone for the debut season of the Rugby Premier League and underscored Odisha’s growing stature as a destination for world-class sporting events. The Rugby Premier League starts on June 15, 2025, and will be streamed live on Jio Hotstar. Meanwhile, the Kalinga Black Tigers will play their first match on June 15th, 2025, against the Hyderabad Team.

About Kalinga Black Tigers

The Kalinga Black Tigers is a professional rugby franchise and one of the founding teams of the inaugural Rugby Premier League India. Co-owned by Hunch Ventures, the team proudly represents Odisha on a national stage in a global sport—marking a significant milestone for the state in mainstream Indian sports. The name draws inspiration from the rare and majestic Melanistic Black Tigers of Odisha, symbolizing strength, agility and resilience. With a dynamic blend of Indian and international players, world-class coaching, and a strong commitment to nurturing the sport, the Kalinga Black Tigers aim to be both a fierce competitor in the league and a driving force behind rugby’s rise in India. Headquartered in Bhubaneswar, the team carries the pride of Odisha into every match it plays.

About Hunch Ventures

Hunch Ventures is a multi-stage, sector-agnostic investment firm committed to empowering entrepreneurs with patient, long-term capital and strategic guidance. With a diverse portfolio spanning lifestyle media, fine arts, hospitality, sustainable food supply chains, ports and logistics, health-tech, air mobility, and B2B SaaS platforms. Hunch Ventures drives innovation across critical industries. Operating globally with investments in India, Canada, the US, Tanzania, Singapore, UAE, and the United Kingdom, the firm focuses on creating impactful solutions that address pressing needs. Notable investments include Fly BLADE, My Healthcare, Rambha Palace, and Mercantile Ports & Logistics. Led by Karanpal Singh, Hunch Ventures champions collaboration and long-term partnerships, supporting founders to achieve sustainable growth while shaping the future of business and lifestyles.