Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Khadse inaugurated the inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur on October 21, 2026. The league represents a significant sporting milestone for Chhattisgarh, following the Khelo India Tribal Games, and aims to strengthen grassroots hockey development in the state.
Organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Chhattisgarh, and sanctioned by Hockey India, the league features six franchise-based teams: Rajdhani Royals, Nyayadhani Knights, Sanskardhani Strikers, Chakradhar Champions, Bailadila Bulls, and Mainpat Titans. Each team comprises 22 players (18 from Chhattisgarh and 4 from outside the state), including former Olympians as marquee players. The inaugural season involves 132 total participants (108 from Chhattisgarh and 24 guest players) competing in 18 men's matches followed by semi-finals and a final on November 1, 2026, with a women's exhibition match also scheduled.
The tournament offers a total prize pool of ₹21 lakh, with ₹11 lakh for the winning team and ₹6 lakh for the runners-up, plus individual performance awards. Former Indian hockey team captain Sardar Singh serves as league ambassador, and the event features cultural performances celebrating Chhattisgarh's heritage. All matches are free for spectators and will be streamed live on JioHotstar, providing national visibility for the competition.