Rajdhani Royals To Face Nyayadhani Knights In Landmark First Chhattisgarh Hockey League

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey: Rajdhani Royals will be taking on Nyayadhani Knights in the first Chhattisgarh Hockey League as the tournament kicks off on October 22 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium here.

By IANS News
Oct 17, 2026 • 06:26 PM

Rajdhani Royals to face Nyayadhani Knights in landmark first Chhattisgarh Hockey League (Rajdhani Royals to face Nyayadhani Knights in landmark first Chhattisgarh Hockey League)

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey: Rajdhani Royals will be taking on Nyayadhani Knights in the first Chhattisgarh Hockey League as the tournament kicks off on October 22 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium here.

The league is India's first official state hockey league and will feature a total of 18 matches with six teams playing in the tournament. The final is set to take place on November 1 to crown the inaugural champion of the league.

League Ambassador, Sardar Singh, highlighted that the league will help players from Chhattisgarh get a platform to prove themselves. "The inception of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League is an initiative that sets the benchmark for everyone to follow, and I’m confident that the hockey players from Chhattisgarh will benefit from this greatly," Singh said.

He also emphasised that his role gives him the chance to nurture talent in Chhattisgarh. "Becoming CHL’s League Ambassador is a great opportunity for me to help Chhattisgarh’s talented players develop into potential national and international stars. The eyes of the entire hockey fraternity is going to be on this league.

"All the squads are well balanced with the perfect mix of experience and raw talent. I’m confident that the level of hockey on display in the inaugural season is going to be special," he added.

The league is organised by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Government of Chhattisgarh. The tournament will see 132 aspiring and marquee players participating. The selection was held over extensive trials.

The marquee players include India's Olympians Surender Kumar, Pradeep Mor, SV Sunil, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Shamsher and Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, headlining the six franchises.

Apart from Rajdhani Royals and Nyayadhani Knights, the other franchises that will participate are Bailadila Bulls, Sanskardhani Strikers, Chakradhar Champions and Mainpat Titans. The squads were recently finalised and have covered representation from different regions of the state. The coaches and the assistant coaches were also announced recently.

Check the support staff of the franchises:

Nyayadhani Knights:

Rajnish Mishra (Head Coach)

Mrinal Choubey (Assistant Head Coach)

Gopeshwar Kahara (Team Manager)

Mainpat Titans:

Rajinder Singh Jr. (Head Coach)

Amitabh Manikpuri (Assistant Head Coach)

Deepesh Choubey (Team Manager)

Chakradhar Champions:

Devesh Chauhan (Head Coach)

Ravi Pareek (Assistant Head Coach)