Chhattisgarh Hockey League Trials Kick Off in Raipur

The Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) trials kicked off in Raipur, attracting 223 players eager to showcase their skills. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao emphasized the importance of hockey in the state and the league's role in providing a platform for young athletes. The trials, overseen by a panel of experts, will continue, leading to the formation of six competitive teams. The inaugural season promises to enhance the local hockey scene and foster talent development. With a focus on regional pride and aspirations, the league aims to elevate Chhattisgarh's presence in the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 29, 2026, 08:42 IST

Inaugural Trials for Chhattisgarh Hockey League Begin

The selection trials for the first season of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) 2026 commenced at Pitch-1 of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur. Out of 373 registered players, 223 participated on the opening day of the trials.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and the Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare of Chhattisgarh attended the event on Monday. He engaged with the players present at the venue, as reported in an official statement.

During his address, Sao remarked, “Hockey is deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh, and the enthusiasm 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 like these a larger platform to compete alongside national and international athletes. Our government is committed to ensuring that every sporting talent in Chhattisgarh has the chance to excel at state, national, and international levels. I wish all the participants the best of luck in the trials.”

The trials are being organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Chhattisgarh, following the guidelines established by Hockey Chhattisgarh.

A panel overseeing the trials includes Prabhakar Pandey, Joint Director; Rashmi Thakur, Deputy Director; Dinu Prasad Patel, Sports Officer; Rashmi Sandhya Ekka, Senior Hockey Coach from Raipur; Rakesh Toppo, Senior Hockey Coach from Bilaspur; international player Mrinal Choubey representing Hockey Chhattisgarh; Anurag Shrivastava from Rajnandgaon; and senior hockey player Amitabh Manikpuri.

The trials will resume tomorrow, September 29, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM at the same location. After the trials conclude, a list of selected players along with a report on the selection process will be submitted to the Directorate of Sports, which will facilitate the formation of six teams for the league.

The Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) marks the first official state-level hockey league in Chhattisgarh, organized by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department. This league is designed to offer local hockey players a structured and competitive environment to display their skills, gain essential competitive experience, and seek opportunities at various levels.

The inaugural season of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League is scheduled to take place from October 21 to November 1 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur. It will feature six franchise-based teams representing different regions of the state: Rajdhani Royals, Chitrakote Challengers, Sanskardhani Strikers, Chakradhar Champions, Nyayadhani Knights, and Mainpat Titans, all vying for the championship title. Each team will consist of 22 players, including 18 from Chhattisgarh and four national or international players from outside the state.

The league aims to enhance the hockey ecosystem in Chhattisgarh, create more opportunities for emerging players, and contribute to the ongoing development of the national sport within the state. With the slogan “Chalo Re Sangi, Hockey Khelbo,” the league celebrates Chhattisgarh’s sporting identity, regional pride, and its aspirations in the world of hockey.