Chhattisgarh Hockey League 2026 selection trials begin in Raipur
Selection trials for the inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League 2026 have kicked off in Raipur, aiming to scout talent for six franchise teams.
The journey toward the inaugural season of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) 2026 has officially commenced. Selection trials for the landmark tournament kicked off at Pitch-1 of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur, marking a significant milestone for the state's sporting landscape.
Out of the 373 players who registered for the chance to showcase their skills, 223 athletes reported for duty on the opening day to compete for a spot in the league.
Government Support for Rising Talent
The event was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and the Chhattisgarh Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare. During his visit to the field, Deputy CM Sao interacted with the aspiring athletes, noting the immense passion displayed by the participants.
“Hockey runs deep in Chhattisgarh, and the enthusiasm of the players at these trials is proof of it,” Sao remarked. He emphasized that the CHL was designed to provide a massive platform where local talent can eventually share the field with national and international stars. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that every sporting talent in the state has a pathway to reach state, national, and international levels.
Rigorous Selection Process
The trials are being conducted by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, following the strict guidelines and criteria established by Hockey Chhattisgarh. A high-level panel of experts is overseeing the selection process to ensure fairness and quality, including:
- Prabhakar Pandey (Joint Director)
- Rashmi Thakur (Deputy Director)
- Dinu Prasad Patel (Sports Officer)
- Rashmi Sandhya Ekka (Senior Hockey Coach, Raipur)
- Rakesh Toppo (Senior Hockey Coach, Bilaspur)
- Mrinal Choubey (International Player representing Hockey Chhattisgarh)
- Anurag Shrivastava (Rajnandgaon)
- Amitabh Manikpuri (Senior Hockey Player)
Following the conclusion of the trials, a comprehensive report and a list of selected players will be submitted to the Directorate of Sports. This list will form the foundation for the six franchise teams that will compete in the league.
The Road to the Inaugural Season
The Chhattisgarh Hockey League stands as the first official state-level hockey league in the region. It is designed to create a structured, competitive ecosystem that allows players to gain experience and pursue professional opportunities.
The inaugural season is scheduled to run from October to November 21 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium. The tournament will feature six franchise-based teams, each representing different regions of the state:
- Rajdhani Royals
- Chitrakote Challengers
- Sanskardhani Strikers
- Chakradhar Champions
- Nyayadhani Knights
- Mainpat Titans
Each franchise will field a squad of 22 players, consisting of 18 local talents from Chhattisgarh and four national or international players brought in from outside the state. Under the inspiring tagline “Chalo Re Sangi, Hockey Khelbo”, the league aims to celebrate regional pride and elevate the status of the national sport within the state.