Bailadila Bulls delivered a statement performance on 30 October 2026 in Raipur, thrashing Chakradhar Champions 6-2 in their final league fixture to secure a semifinal berth in the Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) 2026. The result also confirmed Sanskardhani Strikers as the fourth team to advance, completing the knockout lineup.

Key Developments

Bulls entered the match in a must-win situation under coach Chinglensana Singh, and their intent was evident from the opening whistle. Anand struck in the very first minute with a reverse flick, setting the tone for what was to follow.

Goalkeeper Daleshwar Yadav then produced a crucial save — denying Yuvraj Walmiki from the penalty stroke — to keep the Champions scoreless in the first quarter. That reprieve proved costly for Chakradhar, as Bulls refused to relent.

Jaskaran Singh Steals the Show

Jaskaran Singh was the standout performer, scoring four goals across the match to take his CHL 2026 tally to 9 goals. His first came via a penalty stroke to make it 2-0, followed by a penalty corner (PC) conversion for his third of the game. In the third quarter, he converted yet another PC for his fourth. Anand chipped in with a second goal after beating multiple defenders, while Gopal added a sixth on a PC rebound, pushing Bulls' goal difference to +2 and sealing their semifinal spot.

For Chakradhar, veteran forward SV Sunil created pockets of opportunity but a lack of coordination in the forward line proved their undoing. Khogeshwar Bag scored in the second quarter and Walmiki netted a late reverse in the final quarter, but the fightback came too late. Circle penetrations were few and far between for the Champions.

Sanskardhani Strikers Stun Mainpat Titans 4-0

In the day's other decisive fixture, Shamsher's Sanskardhani Strikers produced a stunning 4-0 victory over the tournament favourites Mainpat Titans. The Titans had entered the match with the best defensive record in CHL 2026, having conceded only 7 goals in 13 matches.

Young forward Ashish Tani Purti was the architect of the upset, scoring a hat-trick — including two bullet drag flick PC conversions — to take his seasonal tally to a tournament-leading 12 goals. Goalkeeper Pradeep Mor was beaten thrice despite the Titans' defensive pedigree. Om Kumar Yadav added a late field goal, assisted by Shahrukh, to complete the rout. Strikers maintained a goal difference of +2, enough to confirm their knockout passage.

Notably, Mainpat's forward line — ordinarily their key weapon — struggled for possession and penetration in the second half. Despite the loss, Mor's Mainpat Titans had already secured top spot in the league table and remain firm contenders for the final.

Semifinal Schedule

The CHL 2026 semifinals are set for Sunday at Raipur. League toppers Nyayadhani Knights take on Sanskardhani Strikers at 5:30 PM IST, followed by Bailadila Bulls vs Mainpat Titans at 7:30 PM IST.

With Mainpat's defensive solidity and Bulls' in-form attackers set to collide, Sunday's evening encounter promises to be the pick of the two semifinals.