Mainpat Titans Crowned Champions of Inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League
Mainpat Titans defeated Sanskardhani Strikers 4-2 to claim the first-ever Chhattisgarh Hockey League title in a thrilling final at Raipur.
In a high-octane finale that captivated a packed crowd in Raipur, the Mainpat Titans emerged as the champions of the first-ever Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL). The Titans secured the inaugural title with a commanding 4-2 victory over the Sanskardhani Strikers at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium on Sunday, November 1.
The prestigious final was graced by several high-profile dignitaries, including Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Sports & Youth Welfare Arun Sao.
A Battle of Grit and Skill
The match began with the Mainpat Titans asserting their dominance early on, creating multiple chances and penetrating the circle with precision. While the Sanskardhani Strikers attempted to fight back through counter-attacks, including a dangerous shot by Shahrukh that was blocked by the defense, the Titans remained resilient.
A pivotal moment occurred when the Strikers were awarded a penalty corner (PC). However, the tournament's top scorer, Ashish Tani Purti, failed to convert the chance against the exceptional goalkeeping of Alfaz Khan. The deadlock was finally broken in the closing minutes of the first quarter when Abhishek Yadav scored via a reverse flick on a rebound from a PC chance.
The Seesaw Struggle
After a relatively quiet second quarter, a moment of brilliance from Sandeep Kumar and Prahalad Rajbhar shifted the momentum. A precise pass from Sandeep just outside the circle allowed Prahalad to use a delicate touch to slide the ball into the goal.
The intensity peaked in the third quarter. Sandeep Kumar converted a penalty corner to put the Titans ahead 2-1, but the lead was short-lived. The Strikers earned another PC; although Ashish missed the initial strike, Sarikh Ahmed reacted quickly to score while the ball was still in play, leveling the game at 2-2.
Mohit Nayak Seals the Glory
The match's decisive turning point came courtesy of Mohit Nayak. Despite being closely marked, Nayak managed to find space within the circle and unleashed a stunning tomahawk shot that flew into the top left corner of the post.
As the clock ticked down, Nayak struck again with a field goal in the dying seconds, sealing a 4-2 victory for the Mainpat Titans. For the Sanskardhani Strikers, the inability of Ashish Tani Purti to convert any penalty corners throughout the 60 minutes proved to be a costly failure.
Awards and Recognition
The tournament, organized by the Government of Chhattisgarh's Department of Sports & Youth Welfare and sanctioned by Hockey India, featured six franchise teams. It served as a vital platform for local talent, featuring 108 local players.
Individual Honors:
- Player of the Match: Mohit Nayak (Mainpat Titans)
- Striker of the Match: Abhishek (Sanskardhani Strikers)
- Player of the Tournament: Shahrukh Ali
- Top Scorer: Ashish Tani Purti (13 goals)
- Best Goalkeeper: Himanshu
- Best Chhattisgarh Player: Mohit Nayak
- Emerging Player (U-21): Sandeep Kumar
Prize Money and Impact
The league boasted a total prize pool of Rs 21 lakh. The champions, Mainpat Titans, walked away with Rs 11 lakh, while the runners-up, Sanskardhani Strikers, received Rs 6 lakh.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the captains and players for the high quality of hockey displayed, expressing his delight at the integration of local athletes into the professional league format to strengthen the state's sporting ecosystem.