Chhattisgarh Hockey League Kicks Off: Rajdhani Royals to Clash with Nyayadhani Knights
The inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League kicks off Oct 22 with Rajdhani Royals vs Nyayadhani Knights. 6 teams, 132 players, and Olympic stars compete.
The sporting landscape of Chhattisgarh is set for a massive upgrade as the inaugural season of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) prepares to launch. The action begins on October 22 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur, where the Rajdhani Royals will face off against the Nyayadhani Knights in a highly anticipated opening encounter.
Organised by the Government of Chhattisgarh's Sports and Youth Welfare Department, the CHL marks the state's first official state-level hockey league. The tournament is designed to bridge the gap between raw talent and professional excellence, providing a structured platform for local athletes to gain the competitive edge needed to reach national and international stages.
Star Power and Talent Pool
The league is not just about grassroots development; it is bringing in some of the biggest names in Indian hockey. A total of 132 players have been selected through rigorous trials, creating a blend of aspiring youngsters and seasoned veterans.
Adding immense prestige to the tournament are the marquee players, including several Olympians who will lead the franchises. Notable stars joining the fray include:
- Surender Kumar
- Pradeep Mor
- SV Sunil
- Lalit Kumar Upadhyay
- Shamsher
- Chinglensana Singh Kangujam
Sardar Singh, serving as the League Ambassador, expressed his confidence in the initiative, stating that the league sets a benchmark for others to follow. He believes the mix of experience and raw talent will ensure a special level of hockey is displayed throughout the season.
The Six Franchises and Coaching Staff
The league features six franchise-based teams, each representing different regions of the state to reflect Chhattisgarh's diverse sporting identity. To ensure long-term growth, the league has appointed a mix of expert head coaches and assistant coaches specifically chosen from within Chhattisgarh to maintain a grassroots pipeline.
The teams and their leadership are as follows:
- Nyayadhani Knights: Rajnish Mishra (Head Coach), Mrinal Choubey (Assistant Coach), Gopeshwar Kahara (Manager)
- Mainpat Titans: Rajinder Singh Jr (Head Coach), Amitabh Manikpuri (Assistant Coach), Deepesh Choubey (Manager)
- Chakradhar Champions: Devesh Chauhan (Head Coach), Ravi Pareek (Assistant Coach), Dhaniram Yadav (Manager)
- Rajdhani Royals: Ajitesh Roy (Head Coach), Rashmi Sandhya Ekka (Assistant Coach), Anis Ahmed (Manager)
- Sanskardhani Strikers: Ajay Kumar (Head Coach), Anuraj Shrivastava (Assistant Coach), Yogesh Dwivedi (Manager)
- Bailadila Bulls: Md. Riyaz (Head Coach), Rakesh Toppo (Assistant Coach), Jahangir Khan (Manager)
Tournament Format and Opening Schedule
The competition will consist of 18 matches in total. After a series of intense clashes, the top two teams will battle it out in an electrifying final on November 1.
The opening fixtures are scheduled as follows:
- October 22:
- 5:30 pm: Women’s Exhibition Match
- 7:30 pm: Rajdhani Royals vs Nyayadhani Knights
- October 23:
- 5:30 pm: Mainpat Titans vs Bailadila Bulls
- 7:30 pm: Chakradhar Champions vs Sanskardhani Strikers
- October 24:
- 5:30 pm: Rajdhani Royals vs Chakradhar Champions