Chhattisgarh Hockey League’s inaugural season runs until November 1

The inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League is under way in Raipur, with its season scheduled from October 21 to November 1. A Sports Ministry announcement issued on opening day says six franchises and 132 players are taking part at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium.

The state Department of Sports and Youth Welfare organises the Hockey India-sanctioned competition. This report describes the announced tournament format; the release provides no subsequent match scores or current standings.

Teams and tournament format

The teams are Rajdhani Royals, Nyayadhani Knights, Sanskardhani Strikers, Chakradhar Champions, Bailadila Bulls and Mainpat Titans. Each squad has 22 players: 18 from Chhattisgarh and four from outside the state. The ministry lists 108 state players and 24 guest players overall.

The schedule provides for 18 men's matches followed by semi-finals and a final on November 1, as well as a women's exhibition match. Former India captain and Olympian Sardar Singh is the league ambassador.

Spectator access and prizes

The announcement says spectator entry is free and matches are to be streamed on JioHotstar. It lists a ₹21 lakh prize pool, including ₹11 lakh for the winning team and ₹6 lakh for the runners-up. These are announced prizes, not payments already made to an identified winner.

The ongoing competition offers a platform for state players alongside experienced guest athletes. Readers following results will need later match reports; no winner is inferred from the opening announcement.

Source acknowledgment: Press Information Bureau (PIB), release 2326255, October 21, 2026.