- Teams allocated to franchises via a draw
- Former Indian hockey captain and legendary player Sardar Singh named League Ambassador; announcement made by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao
- Olympians Surender Kumar, Pradeep Mor, S.V. Sunil, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh, and Chinglensana Singh to lead the teams
Sardar Singh, one of India’s most distinguished and successful field hockey players, has been named the League Ambassador for the inaugural season of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League. Organized by the state government, this league—India’s first hockey league—will hold its opening season from October 21 to November 1 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in the capital, Raipur. The six franchises and teams were announced today at an event held at a private hotel in Raipur, attended by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Shri Arun Sao. Alongside the allocation of teams to franchises via a draw, the jerseys for all teams were also unveiled. Through the team draw, each franchise was assigned a squad of 22 players and a head coach.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Shri Arun Sao, said, “Appointing a distinguished personality like Shri Sardar Singh as the League Ambassador for the inaugural season of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League reflects our commitment to providing the right resources and guidance to our young players.
He is one of India’s most celebrated hockey players, and the league will undoubtedly benefit from his expertise.” Emphasizing the importance of a long-term partnership between the league and franchise teams to effectively promote hockey at the grassroots level in Chhattisgarh, Mr. Sao said, “I extend a warm welcome to the six team owners and sponsors who have decided to support and invest in our sport. Their vision and determination to promote hockey are commendable. I express my gratitude to them for partnering with the government in this crucial initiative to revive hockey in the state.”
Sardar Singh, the League Ambassador for the Chhattisgarh Hockey League, said, “As a former player and now a coach with Hockey India, I have closely observed the development of sports in Chhattisgarh. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Arun Sao, the Chhattisgarh government aims to transform the state into a sports hub. The launch of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League is an initiative that will set a precedent for other states.
I am confident that this will greatly benefit Chhattisgarh’s hockey players. Becoming the League Ambassador for the CHL is not merely an honorary position for me, but also an opportunity to contribute to grooming Chhattisgarh’s talented players into future national and international stars.”
The CHL comprises six franchise teams, featuring a stellar mix of national-level stalwarts, Olympians, local talent, and experienced players from the Chhattisgarh region. The competition aims to provide a high-level platform for local talent and strengthen the domestic hockey ecosystem within the state.
Prestigious organizations are associated with the six franchise teams. The franchises are held by the following entities: Jindal Steel Limited (Chakradhar Champions), South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) (Nyaydhani Knights), Shri Bajrang Power & Ispat Limited (Rajdhani Royals), Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (Mainpat Tigers), Sarda Energy & Minerals Limited (Sanskardhani Strikers), and NMDC Limited (Bailadila Bulls). The winner will receive ₹11 lakh; the league will feature the thrill of women’s hockey alongside 18 men’s matches.
A total of 132 players across six franchise teams will take the field in the Chhattisgarh Hockey League. This roster includes 108 local players from Chhattisgarh and 24 guest players. Each team will consist of 22 players, including four guest players. Every team will also feature a former Olympian as a ‘marquee player.’ Held from October 21 to November 1, the league will host 18 men’s hockey matches and one exhibition women’s hockey match. A total prize purse of ₹21 lakh has been allocated for the players; the winning team will receive ₹11 lakh, and the runners-up will get ₹6 lakh. Spectators can enjoy all the matches free of charge. Along with the excitement of hockey, the event will also showcase the vibrant colors of Chhattisgarhi culture and entertainment.
A major highlight of the league is the inclusion of a former Olympian as a marquee player in each team. These six legendary players include S.V. Sunil, Surender Kumar, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Chinglensana Singh, Shamsher Singh, and Pradeep Mor. The presence of these seasoned players will give local players the opportunity to play alongside them on the field.
Attractive prize arrangements have been made to boost the players’ morale in the Chhattisgarh Hockey League. Out of the total prize purse of ₹21 lakh, ₹17 lakh is allocated for the winning and runner-up teams. The winning team will receive ₹11 lakh, while the runners-up will get ₹6 lakh. Additionally, prizes worth ₹4 lakh have been set aside for individual performances across various categories.
In all 18 men’s matches of the competition, the ‘Player of the Match’ will receive ₹10,000. Consequently, a total of ₹1.80 lakh will be spent on ‘Player of the Match’ awards.The ‘Player of the Tournament’ will receive a prize of ₹1 lakh. Cash prizes of ₹30,000 each will be awarded to the top scorer, best goalkeeper, best Chhattisgarhi player, and the emerging player in the Under-21 category.
Arrangements have been made for entertainment alongside the matches for hockey enthusiasts. The first match will begin at 5:30 PM, and the second at 7:30 PM. Entertainment programs will be organized daily between the two matches. Spectators unable to visit the stadium can also enjoy the games; the league will be broadcast live on JioHotstar. Entry to the stadium will be completely free for spectators.
The league’s opening ceremony will be a confluence of sports and Chhattisgarh’s art and cultural heritage. The event will feature performances showcasing the state’s rich artistic and cultural legacy, alongside programs infused with a spirit of patriotism. The main attractions will be performances by Punjabi singers Jassi Gill and Babbal Rai. Legendary former hockey players will also be honored on this occasion.
A special logo, mascot, and tagline have been created to align the Chhattisgarh Hockey League with the state’s identity. The league’s logo has already been unveiled; it depicts the silhouette of a hockey player in white against the map of Chhattisgarh, symbolizing the progress of the state’s players and its peaceful atmosphere. The tiger—a symbol of pride for Chhattisgarh—has been chosen as the league’s mascot and named ‘Baghwa’, while ‘Chalo Re Sangi Hockey Khelbo’ has been adopted as the league’s tagline. All matches of the competition will be officially conducted by officials and representatives affiliated with Hockey India. From October 21 to November 1, the capital city of Raipur will witness a magnificent blend of sports, culture, and entertainment alongside thrilling hockey matches. Representatives of all the league’s franchises and sponsors, along with officials from the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, were present at the event, including Mr. Yashwant Kumar (Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Welfare), Ms. Akanksha Shiksha Khalkho (Director), Mr. Manish Shrivastava (President, Chhattisgarh Hockey Association), and former international hockey players Mr. Mrinal Chaubey and Ms. Renuka Yadav.