Kumar Bahukhandi
A Mainpat Titans player battles a Bailadila Bulls opponent for possession near the shooting circle during their 3–3 draw in Raipur on Friday, October 23, 2026.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Nihal Hussain Ansari’s late equaliser seals a draw on day two as Prahlad earns Striker of the Match and Karan Dhanuk takes Player of the Match honours
Key Highlights
- Mainpat Titans and Bailadila Bulls draw 3–3 in Friday’s opening fixture.
- Mainpat dominate the first half before Bailadila mount a strong comeback.
- Prahlad restores Mainpat’s lead before Nihal Hussain Ansari scores the final equaliser.
- Prahlad wins Striker of the Match, while Karan Dhanuk receives Player of the Match.
Raipur: Mainpat Titans and Bailadila Bulls share the honours in a closely contested 3–3 draw in the opening match on the second day of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League on Friday, October 23, 2026. Mainpat control the first two quarters, but Bailadila respond strongly after half-time and secure a draw through a late equaliser from Nihal Hussain Ansari.
Bailadila Bulls’ Karan Dhanuk poses with the Player of the Match trophy after the 3–3 draw against Mainpat Titans in the Chhattisgarh Hockey League in Raipur on Friday, October 23, 2026.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Early Chances Set the Tempo
Mainpat made their first threatening move in the fourth minute, entering the shooting circle before Bailadila’s defenders cleared the danger. The Bulls responded with a circle entry of their own but could not turn it into a decisive opportunity.
In the seventh minute, Prahlad Tandi received the ball inside the circle with a chance to score. Bailadila’s goalkeeper reacted quickly, advancing to deny him.
Mainpat continued to create pressure and held the advantage heading towards the interval.
Praveen’s Deflection Strengthens Mainpat’s Position
Mainpat Titans players in white advance with the ball as a Bailadila Bulls player tracks back during their Chhattisgarh Hockey League match in Raipur on Friday, October 23, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
A few minutes before half-time, Prahlad made an incisive run inside the circle and supplied the ball for Praveen Yadav, whose well-executed deflection found the net.
Mainpat entered the break with a 2–0 lead, leaving Bailadila needing a substantial improvement in the second half.
Bailadila Respond After the Break
Mainpat Titans players in white advance with the ball as a Bailadila Bulls player tracks back during their Chhattisgarh Hockey League match in Raipur on Friday, October 23, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
The Bulls returned with greater attacking intent, repeatedly testing Mainpat’s defence through sustained circle entries.
Their pressure produced a breakthrough when Jaskaran Singh advanced deep into the circle and flicked the ball towards Rahul Yadav, who converted to reduce the deficit.
Jaskaran then scored from a penalty corner early in the fourth quarter to bring Bailadila level at 2–2.
Another attacking move involving a tomahawk attempt led to a further penalty corner, but Mainpat goalkeeper Alfaz Khan kept the effort out.
Late Goals Ensure a Draw
A Mainpat Titans player carries the ball forward under pressure from a Bailadila Bulls opponent during their drawn encounter in Raipur on Friday, October 23, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Mainpat regained the lead when Prahlad found space inside the circle and scored with a reverse flick.
Bailadila continued searching for a response and were rewarded near the end when Nihal Hussain Ansari struck from a penalty-corner rebound to make it 3–3.
Neither side could find a winner, bringing an eventful contest to a level finish.
Individual Honours for Prahlad and Karan
Prahlad’s attacking contribution earned him the Striker of the Match award, while Bailadila’s Karan Dhanuk received the Player of the Match trophy.
