Chhattisgarh Hockey League Opens in Raipur, Heralding a New Era for Hockey with Olympians and Emerging State Talent

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, former Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh and other distinguished guests participate in the inauguration of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League, with the tournament trophy prominently displayed on stage at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse highlights India’s expanding sporting ecosystem as Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao declares that the spirit of ‘Chalo Re Sangi Hockey Khelbo’ will resonate across Chhattisgarh; six franchise teams to compete from October 22 to November 1

Key Highlights

• Chhattisgarh Hockey League inaugurated at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur on October 21, 2026.
• Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse presides over the inaugural ceremony.
• Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao describes the league as a milestone in developing professional hockey in Chhattisgarh.
• Six franchise teams will feature 132 players, including 108 from Chhattisgarh and 24 national and international players.
• Former Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh and former international cricketer Rajesh Chauhan attend the ceremony.
• League matches scheduled from October 22 to November 1, with two fixtures daily at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
• Free entry for spectators and live streaming on JioHotstar aim to make the tournament accessible to a wider audience.
• Corporate organisations and public sector undertakings join hands to promote competitive hockey and nurture emerging talent.

Raipur: Chhattisgarh entered a promising new chapter in its sporting journey on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, with the grand inauguration of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur. Bringing together celebrated Olympians, experienced national-level players, emerging local talent and leading corporate organisations, the tournament represents an ambitious initiative by the state government to strengthen professional hockey and create new opportunities for young athletes. The colourful inaugural ceremony, held under the spirited slogan ‘Chalo Re Sangi Hockey Khelbo’, marked the beginning of a competition designed to transform Chhattisgarh’s hockey landscape while encouraging wider public participation in the sport.

The inaugural event brought together distinguished representatives of the Union and state governments, prominent sportspersons, administrators and hockey enthusiasts, reflecting the growing emphasis on developing sporting talent beyond traditional centres of excellence.

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse presided over the ceremony, while Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu and Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Arun Sao attended as special guests.

Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, State Youth Commission Chairman Vishwavijay Singh Tomar, Seed Corporation Chairman Chandrahas Chandrakar and Sports Department Secretary Yashwant Kumar were among the dignitaries present.

Former Indian hockey captain and league brand ambassador Sardar Singh, along with former international cricketer Rajesh Chauhan, added sporting distinction to the inaugural programme.

Khadse Highlights India’s Expanding Sports Infrastructure and Opportunities

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Raksha Nikhil Khadse emphasised the remarkable transformation taking place in India’s sporting ecosystem under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Recalling her earlier visit to Chhattisgarh during the Khelo India Tribal Games in Bastar, Khadse said that her second visit to the state provided another opportunity to witness its growing commitment to sports development.

She observed that India was steadily progressing in international sports and that the Union Government was working to ensure that sporting opportunities reached households across the country.

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, former Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh and other dignitaries participate in a ceremonial hockey activity during the inauguration of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, symbolising the beginning of a new competitive chapter for hockey in Chhattisgarh. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

“The government’s objective is to take sports to every household. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, major sporting events are being organised across the country, with adequate financial support to strengthen infrastructure and encourage young talent,” Khadse said, outlining the government’s approach.

She stressed that the development of Indian sports should not remain confined to cricket alone, pointing out that other disciplines were receiving increasing attention through government initiatives and institutional support.

The minister also welcomed the participation of private organisations in encouraging promising athletes.

“Young people represent the energy and strength of our nation. Their participation in sports will play an important role in shaping India’s future. I am confident that Chhattisgarh will emerge as one of the country’s prominent sporting centres,” she said, expressing optimism about the state’s potential.

Arun Sao Envisions Hockey Becoming a People’s Movement Across Chhattisgarh

Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao described the inauguration as a memorable occasion for the state and expressed confidence that the league would encourage hockey participation across districts and communities.

“The message of ‘Chalo Re Sangi Hockey Khelbo’ will resonate throughout Chhattisgarh. This historic occasion will remain memorable for all of us, as we begin a new journey towards establishing hockey at an excellent and professional level in the state,” Sao said.

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister recalled India’s historic triumph in the Junior Hockey World Cup 25 years earlier.

He noted that Devesh Chauhan, a member of the victorious Indian junior team, was associated with the Chhattisgarh Hockey League as a chief coach.

Sao said the participation of experienced players and coaches would provide invaluable guidance to young athletes and help them understand the demands of professional competition.

Chhattisgarh’s Hockey Legends Inspire a New Generation

Recalling the state’s contribution to Indian hockey, Sao mentioned distinguished players including Vincent Lakra, Mrinal Choubey, Renuka Yadav and Saba Anjum, whose achievements have inspired generations of aspiring sportspersons.

He emphasised that Chhattisgarh possesses substantial sporting talent and that structured competitions such as the hockey league could help identify and develop promising players.

Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s message, ‘Jo Khelega, Woh Khilega’, Sao highlighted the broader educational and social importance of sports.

“The sporting field does not merely produce players; it also develops self-confidence, discipline and leadership qualities. Sports prepare young people to face challenges and contribute positively to society,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that the league would become an important milestone in creating a sustainable sporting environment in Chhattisgarh.

Six Franchise Teams Bring Corporate and Public Sector Support to Hockey

One of the distinctive features of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League is the participation of corporate organisations and public sector undertakings through six franchise teams.

The participating teams are:

Franchise	Associated organisation
Chakradhar Champions	Jindal Steel Limited
Nyaydhani Knights	South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)
Rajdhani Royals	Shri Bajrang Power and Ispat Limited
Mainpat Tigers	Chhattisgarh Tourism Board
Sanskardhani Strikers	Sarda Energy and Minerals Limited
Bailadila Bulls	NMDC Limited

The involvement of these organisations is expected to strengthen institutional support for hockey while encouraging professional management, sponsorship and sustained investment in sports development.

The league’s franchise-based structure also provides a competitive environment in which players can develop their abilities through regular exposure to organised matches.

108 Local Players to Compete Alongside 24 National and International Stars

Sports Department Secretary Yashwant Kumar explained the tournament’s structure and outlined how the competition would benefit emerging players from Chhattisgarh.

Each of the six participating teams comprises 22 players, including 18 local players and four established national or international players, including Olympians.

This arrangement brings the total participation to 132 players, of whom 108 represent Chhattisgarh’s local talent pool.

The remaining 24 players bring experience from higher levels of competitive hockey.

The structure is designed to enable young players to learn directly from accomplished athletes, observe advanced techniques and develop the confidence necessary to compete at higher levels.

The presence of experienced professionals is also expected to improve tactical awareness, teamwork and match temperament among local players.

Matches Begin October 22, With Free Entry for Spectators

The competitive phase of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League will begin on Thursday, October 22, and continue until November 1, 2026.

All matches are scheduled at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur.

Two matches will be held daily, with the first beginning at 5:30 PM and the second at 7:30 PM.

The state government has made entry to the stadium free for spectators, students and other sports enthusiasts.

This initiative is intended to encourage wider public participation and enable young people to watch established players and emerging athletes compete in a professional environment.

For viewers unable to attend the matches in person, the tournament will also be streamed live on JioHotstar.

The matches will be conducted under the supervision of authorised Hockey India officials, ensuring that the competition follows recognised rules and professional standards.

Women’s Exhibition Match Adds Special Significance to Inaugural Celebrations

A special women’s exhibition match formed part of the opening day’s programme, providing an additional platform to highlight the growing importance of women’s participation in hockey.

The inclusion of women’s hockey in the inaugural celebrations reflected the organisers’ efforts to encourage greater involvement of female athletes and inspire young girls to pursue sporting careers.

The initiative also complemented the broader objective of creating inclusive opportunities across sporting disciplines.

Laxmi Verma Emphasises Opportunities for Emerging Hockey Players

Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma welcomed the initiative and highlighted the importance of providing talented young players with access to high-level competitions.

She said the tournament would motivate athletes across Chhattisgarh and provide an opportunity to improve their skills through exposure to experienced players.

Verma also expressed confidence that the league would encourage more young people to take an active interest in hockey.

A New Platform for Chhattisgarh’s Sporting Ambitions

The Chhattisgarh Hockey League represents an important effort to connect grassroots talent development with professional competition, corporate participation and public enthusiasm.

By bringing together young players from the state and accomplished athletes from national and international backgrounds, the tournament seeks to create a sporting environment in which experience and emerging talent can complement each other.

The presence of Olympians and established coaches offers aspiring players an opportunity to gain valuable competitive experience while learning the discipline required at higher levels of the sport.

The tournament is also expected to increase public interest in hockey and encourage more educational institutions, sports academies and local organisations to support young athletes.

With free spectator access, live streaming and participation from leading public and private sector organisations, the Chhattisgarh Hockey League aims to extend its influence beyond the stadium.

As the six franchise teams prepare for the opening matches, the inaugural edition offers Chhattisgarh an opportunity to demonstrate its sporting potential and establish a stronger presence on India’s competitive hockey map.