Kumar Bahukhandi
Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao presents Nyaydhani Knights’ Chirag with the Player of the Match trophy and a ₹10,000 prize during the Chhattisgarh Hockey League in Raipur on Saturday, 24 October 2026, following the Knights’ 5–3 victory over Sanskardhani Strikers. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Chirag scores twice in Knights’ comeback victory, while Chakradhar edge Rajdhani Royals 4–3; Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao presents awards to standout performers.
Key Highlights
- Nyaydhani Knights recover from an early deficit to register their second victory.
- Chirag converts two penalty corners and wins Player of the Match.
- Ashish Tani Purti scores twice for Sanskardhani and receives Striker of the Match.
- Chakradhar Champions beat Rajdhani Royals 4–3 to secure their second successive win.
- Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao attends for the second consecutive day.
- Sunday’s fixtures feature Knights against Bailadila Bulls and Royals against Mainpat Titans.
Raipur: Nyaydhani Knights overcame an early setback to defeat Sanskardhani Strikers 5–3 in the fifth match of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League on Saturday, 24 October 2026, registering their second victory. In the day’s opening encounter, Chakradhar Champions edged Rajdhani Royals 4–3 to strengthen their bid for a semi-final berth with a second successive win.
Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao attended the league for the second consecutive day to encourage the players and presented awards during the post-match ceremony.
Strikers Take the Early Lead
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao joins officials and guests during the post-match presentation ceremony of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League in Raipur on Saturday, 24 October 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Surendra Singh’s Nyaydhani Knights endured a difficult opening quarter as Sanskardhani Strikers created early opportunities.
The Strikers failed to convert their first two penalty corners but subsequently moved ahead when Om Kumar Yadav deflected a pass from Jeetu Hemla into the goal.
The breakthrough gave Sanskardhani a 1–0 advantage, although their inability to capitalise on penalty corners would prove costly.
Three-Goal Burst Turns the Match
A Nyaydhani Knights player celebrates during the team’s 5–3 victory over Sanskardhani Strikers in the Chhattisgarh Hockey League in Raipur on Saturday, 24 October 2026.Photo:channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Nyaydhani responded in the second quarter through a field goal from Sukhved Nirmalkar.
Shadab Ahmed Khan then put the Knights ahead during a passage of play in which Strikers goalkeeper Aditya Kumar Netam fell awkwardly.
Less than a minute later, Chirag converted a penalty corner to extend the advantage. Despite Sanskardhani enjoying control for much of the first half, Nyaydhani went into the interval leading 3–1.
Ashish Keeps Sanskardhani in Contention
A Nyaydhani Knights player battles for possession against Sanskardhani Strikers defenders during their Chhattisgarh Hockey League encounter in Raipur on Saturday, 24 October 2026, which the Knights won 5–3.Photo:channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Sanskardhani again struggled to convert a penalty corner in the third quarter, but Ashish Tani Purti scored from a penalty stroke to reduce the deficit.
Chirag responded with another successful penalty-corner conversion, restoring Nyaydhani’s two-goal cushion.
Ashish continued to lead the Strikers’ resistance and converted a penalty corner to keep his side in the contest. Sonu subsequently added another goal for Nyaydhani, completing the 5–3 victory.
Chirag and Ashish Receive Individual Honours
Chirag’s two penalty-corner goals earned him the Player of the Match award, while Ashish received Striker of the Match for his performance for Sanskardhani.
Sao presented the honours to the standout performers after watching the contest and encouraging the players.
Chakradhar Champions Move Closer to Semi-Finals
Earlier in the day, Chakradhar Champions defeated Rajdhani Royals 4–3, leaving the Royals with a second consecutive loss.
Parampreet Singh was the standout performer for Chakradhar, scoring twice through penalty corners. Raushan was among the scorers for Rajdhani.
With victories in both their matches, Chakradhar strengthened their position in the race for the semi-finals. According to the match report, the Royals now need to win their remaining fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Sunday’s Fixtures
Nyaydhani Knights will face Bailadila Bulls at 5.30 pm on Sunday, 25 October, followed by Rajdhani Royals against Mainpat Titans at 7.30 pm.
