Kumar Bahukhandi
Players from Nyaydhani Knights and Rajdhani Royals contest possession during the Chhattisgarh Hockey League’s opening match at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur on Thursday, October 22, 2026.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Olympian Surendra Singh’s side overcomes Lalit Upadhyay-led Royals as Ketan Kushwaha claims two match awards; Indravati Tigresses win women’s exhibition match 4–1.
Key Highlights
- Chirag and Ketan Kushwaha score for Nyaydhani Knights; Roshan nets Rajdhani Royals’ only goal.
- Ketan wins both Striker of the Match and Player of the Match awards.
- Aanchal Sahu scores twice as Indravati Tigresses defeat Mahanadi Falcons.
- Two league fixtures are scheduled for Friday, October 23, in Raipur.
Raipur: Nyaydhani Knights begin their Chhattisgarh Hockey League campaign with a 2–1 victory over Rajdhani Royals at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium on Thursday, October 22, 2026. In an opening encounter featuring teams led by Olympians Surendra Singh and Lalit Upadhyay, goals from Chirag and Ketan Kushwaha secure the Knights’ winning start, while Roshan scores the Royals’ solitary goal.
Chirag and Ketan Put Knights Ahead
Nyaydhani Knights adopted an attacking approach from the outset. Chirag opened the scoring in the 12th minute, converting a penalty corner with a powerful flick that beat the Royals’ first rusher and goalkeeper Himanshu Malik.
Early in the second quarter, Ketan Kushwaha doubled the advantage with an impressive field goal, weaving past opposition defenders before finding the net.
The Knights earned another penalty corner a minute later but could not extend their lead. At the other end, Royals captain Lalit Upadhyay stepped up his efforts in midfield to bring his team back into contention. The Royals, however, also failed to capitalise on a penalty-corner opportunity.
Surendra Anchors the Defence
Surendra Singh played a crucial role in the Knights’ defence, restricting the opposition’s movement inside the shooting circle. His fellow defenders repeatedly cleared the ball from dangerous positions, frustrating the Royals’ attacking efforts.
Towards the end of the second quarter, Surendra sustained a facial injury while attempting to intercept a pass intended for Rajdhani Royals’ Aniket Kujur.
The Knights received another penalty corner early in the second half following a stick check by Sanjeet Tirkey but failed to convert it. A subsequent opportunity also went unused.
Ketan continued to threaten inside the opposition circle, although his later attempts lacked accuracy. The Royals made several attacking entries during the third quarter, but poor coordination among their forwards prevented them from turning those openings into goals.
Knights Hold On for Victory
The pace slowed in the fourth quarter as the Royals searched for a way back. Missed scoring opportunities increased the pressure on their forward line.
Play was briefly interrupted after a heavy collision between Royals first rusher Premchand Soy and the Knights’ Chirag left both players on the turf.
Nyaydhani Knights eventually secured a 2–1 victory, with Roshan accounting for the Royals’ only goal. Ketan’s influential performance earned him both the Striker of the Match and Player of the Match awards.
Aanchal’s Double Powers Indravati Tigresses
Indravati Tigresses and Mahanadi Falcons players compete during the women’s exhibition match at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur on Thursday, October 22, 2026, with the Tigresses securing a 4–1 victory.
Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
In the women’s exhibition match, Indravati Tigresses registered a convincing 4–1 win over Mahanadi Falcons.
Captain Aanchal Sahu led the scoring with two goals, while Leena Korse and Mamteshwari Lahre contributed one each. Riya Khalkho scored the Falcons’ solitary goal.
The Tigresses controlled approximately 60 per cent of possession and maintained sustained attacking pressure. Their superior coordination and ball control helped them dictate the contest, while the Falcons struggled to build effective combinations in attack.
Two Matches Scheduled for Friday
The stadium will host two fixtures on Friday, October 23. Mainpat Titans face Bailadila Bulls at 5.30 pm, followed by Chakradhar Champions against Sanskardhani Strikers at 7.30 pm.
Platform for Chhattisgarh’s Hockey Talent
Organised by the Chhattisgarh Government’s Sports and Youth Welfare Department, the Chhattisgarh Hockey League is the state’s first official state-level hockey league.
Spectators watch the Chhattisgarh Hockey League matches at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Its inaugural edition runs from October 21 to November 1, 2026, at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur. Six franchise teams—Rajdhani Royals, Bailadila Bulls, Sanskardhani Strikers, Chakradhar Champions, Nyaydhani Knights and Mainpat Titans—are competing for the title.
Each squad comprises 22 players, including 18 from Chhattisgarh and four national- or international-level players from outside the state.
Held under the motto “Chalo Re Sangi, Hockey Khelbo”, the league aims to strengthen the state’s hockey ecosystem and give emerging players competitive experience alongside established talent.
