Kumar Bahukhandi
Sanskardhani Strikers players celebrate during their Chhattisgarh Hockey League match against Capital Royals in Raipur on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The Strikers won 4–2 for their first victory of the tournament. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Both score twice as Strikers open their account in the Chhattisgarh Hockey League; Nyaydhani Knights reach semi-finals after 4–4 draw earlier in the day
Key Highlights
- Sanskardhani Strikers defeated Capital Royals 4–2 to register their first win of the league.
- Ashish Tani Purti and Shahrukh scored two goals each for the Strikers.
- Ashish was named Striker of the Match, while Shahrukh received the Player of the Match award.
- Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal were among the dignitaries who watched the match.
- In Tuesday’s earlier contest, Nyaydhani Knights reached the semi-finals after a 4–4 draw with Chakradhar Champions.
Raipur: Sanskardhani Strikers registered their first victory in the Chhattisgarh Hockey League on Tuesday, October 27, defeating Lalit Upadhyay’s Capital Royals 4–2 in a contest that saw Ashish Tani Purti and Shahrukh score two goals apiece.
The Strikers, captained by Shamsher, produced a strong attacking display after a cautious start. Ashish converted two penalty corners, while Shahrukh struck twice from open play to secure the team’s first win of the tournament.
Roshan and Lalit Upadhyay scored for Capital Royals, who fought back after conceding the opening goal but were unable to prevent the Strikers from building a decisive lead.
An important contest for both sides
The match carried significance for both teams, neither of which had won before Tuesday’s encounter. The pressure was visible in the early stages as both sides sought to remain in contention in the tournament.
The first quarter began cautiously. Players focused on retaining possession, and both teams found it difficult to build attacks or make their way into the opposing circle.
Sanskardhani eventually broke through when Ashish Tani Purti converted a penalty corner, giving the Strikers the opening goal.
Roshan brings Capital Royals level
Capital Royals worked their way back into the contest after a period of sustained effort. Just before the half-time hooter, Roshan produced an individual effort to equalise.
Inside the circle, Roshan moved past defenders, created a little space on the left and struck a reverse hit into the goal. His finish brought the Royals level and ensured that the teams went into the interval with the match finely balanced.
Shahrukh puts Strikers ahead
A Capital Royals player carries the ball under pressure from a Sanskardhani Strikers opponent during their Chhattisgarh Hockey League match in Raipur on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Capital Royals’ defence held firm for much of the contest, but a moment in which Shahrukh was left unmarked proved costly. From just inside the circle, he sent a reverse flick into the goal to restore Sanskardhani’s lead.
The Strikers continued to press, and Ashish converted another penalty corner. His second goal took his personal tally in the tournament to nine, according to the match report.
With a minute remaining in the third quarter, Shahrukh struck again. A pass arrived from the right towards the front of the post, and he finished the move to extend Sanskardhani’s advantage.
Lalit scores for Royals
Capital Royals captain Lalit Upadhyay pulled a goal back when he put away a rebound from a penalty corner. The Royals, however, could not close the gap further, and the match ended 4–2 in favour of Sanskardhani.
Ashish’s two penalty-corner conversions earned him the Striker of the Match award, while Shahrukh was named Player of the Match for his two-goal performance.
Arun Sao and Shyam Bihari Jaiswal watch match
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal join dignitaries and a Sanskardhani Strikers player at the post-match awards presentation in Raipur on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal attended the match at the stadium.
Other dignitaries present included Chandan Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of the Chhattisgarh Capital Region Development Authority; Yogendra Shukla, Chairman, Finance, of the Sarda Group; Adarsh Shrivastava, Regional Manager of the State Bank of India; Chandrashekhar, Marketing Head of the Goyal Group; and O.P. Sharma, General Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Softball Association.
Nyaydhani Knights reach semi-finals
In Tuesday’s earlier match, Nyaydhani Knights secured a place in the semi-finals after a 4–4 draw with Chakradhar Champions.
Surender Singh’s Knights progressed while remaining at the top of the points table, according to the match report. Chakradhar’s Yuvraj Walmiki scored three goals, while Ketan was among Nyaydhani’s leading performers.
