Chhattisgarh Hockey League Trials Kick Off with Enthusiastic Participation

The Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) trials have officially started at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur, with 223 players participating out of 373 registered. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao praised the players' enthusiasm and emphasized the league's goal of providing a platform for young talents to compete alongside national and international athletes. The trials, overseen by a dedicated panel, will continue, leading to the formation of six competitive teams. The CHL aims to enhance the hockey ecosystem in Chhattisgarh and promote local talent on a larger stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 29, 2026, 08:23 IST

Inaugural Trials for Chhattisgarh Hockey League Commence

The selection trials for the first season of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) 2026 began at Pitch-1 of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur. Out of 373 registered players, 223 participated on the first day of trials. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and the Chhattisgarh Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, who engaged with the players present at the venue.

Deputy CM Praises Player Enthusiasm

During the event, Sao expressed his admiration for the players' enthusiasm, stating, "Hockey is deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh, and the excitement displayed by the players during these trials is a testament to that. I witnessed their passion firsthand on the field. The Chhattisgarh Hockey League aims to provide young talents with a larger platform to compete alongside national and international players. Our government is committed to ensuring that every athlete in Chhattisgarh has the chance to excel at state, national, and international levels. I wish all participants the best of luck in the trials."

Details of the Trials and Selection Process

The trials are organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Chhattisgarh, following the guidelines established by Hockey Chhattisgarh. A selection panel, 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), international player Mrinal Choubey, Anurag Shrivastava from Rajnandgaon, and senior player Amitabh Manikpuri, is overseeing the process.

The trials will continue on September 29, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM at the same location. After the trials, a list of selected players will be compiled and submitted to the Directorate of Sports, which will facilitate the formation of six league teams.

Overview of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League

The Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) marks the state's first official hockey league, organized by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department. This league is designed to provide local hockey players with a competitive platform to demonstrate their skills, gain experience, and pursue opportunities at various levels.

The inaugural season is scheduled to run from October 21 to November 1 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium, featuring six franchise teams: Rajdhani Royals, Chitrakote Challengers, Sanskardhani Strikers, Chakradhar Champions, Nyayadhani Knights, and Mainpat Titans. Each team will consist of 22 players, including 18 from Chhattisgarh and four from outside the state.

The league aims to enhance the hockey landscape in Chhattisgarh, providing more opportunities for emerging players and contributing to the growth of the national sport within the state. With the slogan "Chalo Re Sangi, Hockey Khelbo," the league celebrates Chhattisgarh's sporting culture and regional pride.