Chhattisgarh to Host India's First State-Level Hockey League in Raipur
Chhattisgarh has announced the launch of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL), billed as India's first official state hockey league sanctioned by Hockey India, according to reports from the Free Press Journal and The Times of India. The franchise-based inaugural season is scheduled to be held from October 21 to November 1 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur.
The league was announced by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department of Chhattisgarh, as reported by the Free Press Journal. Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao unveiled the league's logo on Tuesday at an event attended by senior officials from the department and Hockey Chhattisgarh, according to both sources.
League Format and Teams
The CHL will feature six city-based teams representing different regions of the state, competing in a league format. According to both sources, the top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, followed by knock-out matches, with the final proposed for November 1, alongside a women's exhibition match. The Times of India added that the full match schedule is to be released later.
The six franchises announced are Rajdhani Royals, Chitrakoot Challengers, Sanskardhani Strikers, Chakradhar Champions, Nyayadhani Knights, and Mainpat Titans, as reported by both outlets.
Marquee Players and Branding
Indian hockey stalwarts and Olympic medallists Gurjant Singh, Shamsher Singh, and Surender Kumar are among the marquee players expected to feature in the inaugural edition, along with Jaskaran Singh and Devindar Walmiki, according to both the Free Press Journal and The Times of India.
The league also launched its mascot, Baghwa (tiger), positioned as a symbol of courage and resilience tied to the state's forest and wildlife heritage, as reported by both sources. The tagline "Chalo Re Sangi, Hockey Khelbo" anchors the tournament in local identity. The Free Press Journal further described the visual identity as features the map of Chhattisgarh alongside a stylized hockey player, with saffron and green elements representing Indian identity and an orange trail symbolizing energy, speed, and ambition.
Official Statements
Speaking at the logo unveiling, Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao stated, "Chhattisgarh has a very strong base in terms of athletes across sports and it is an honour to be the first state to introduce an official state hockey league." The Times of India reported that the official emphasized the league would expand opportunities for players to progress to state, national and international levels.
The Free Press Journal quoted Sao as saying, "This reinforces our commitment towards the national game and is a testament to the effort that the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare has been putting in over the years. Chhattisgarh Hockey League marks a very important starting point in what can promise to be an extremely flourishing addition to the history of Indian Hockey. The main aim has always been to provide the state's athletes with the best opportunity to excel at the state, national and international level, and we are sure that the CHL is a step in the right direction towards that."