The inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) — the first-ever franchise-based hockey league organised by a state government in India — will be held from 21 October to 1 November at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur. The six competing franchises were unveiled at a ceremony in Raipur on Monday, 12 October, marking a landmark moment for hockey development in the state.

Six Franchises and How Squads Were Formed

The six franchises — Chakradhar Champions, Nyayadhani Knights, Rajdhani Royals, Mainpat Titans, Sanskardhani Strikers, and Bailadila Bulls — were each allotted a 22-member squad and a head coach through a transparent draw of lots. The process, overseen by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare and Chhattisgarh Hockey, involved two rounds of draws: one to determine the pick order among franchises, and another for each franchise to select a pre-assigned squad. Each squad features a marquee player alongside a dynamic mix of national heroes, Olympians, and local talent from across the Chhattisgarh region.

Sardar Singh Named League Ambassador

Former India captain and one of the country's most decorated field hockey players, Sardar Singh, has been appointed as the League Ambassador for the inaugural season. His appointment is intended to bring elite-level guidance and visibility to the league's grassroots development goals. 'Becoming CHL's League Ambassador is not just an honorary position for me but an opportunity to help Chhattisgarh's talented players develop into potential national and international stars,' Sardar Singh said.

What the Government Said

Arun Sao, Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister of Chhattisgarh, emphasised the league's commitment to long-term athlete development. 'Having someone of Sardar Singh's stature as the League Ambassador for the inaugural season of the Chhattisgarh Hockey League showcases our commitment to providing our young athletes with the right resources and guidance to fast-track their development,' Sao said. He also extended a welcome to the six team owners and sponsors, calling their investment 'a step that is deeply appreciated by all the stakeholders' in what he described as an 'incredible revival of hockey in Chhattisgarh.'

Marquee Players Across Teams

Each of the six franchises fields a marquee player of national or international repute. Rajdhani Royals feature Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Chakradhar Champions have SV Sunil, Bailadila Bulls are anchored by Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Nyayadhani Knights have Surender Kumar, Mainpat Titans are led by Pradeep Mor, and Sanskardhani Strikers feature Shamsher as their marquee name. The inclusion of Olympians and experienced national-level players alongside emerging local talent is designed to accelerate the growth of the game at the grassroots level.

Broader Vision for Hockey in Chhattisgarh

The CHL carries the tagline 'Chalo Re Sangi, Hockey Khelbo' — a phrase that celebrates regional identity and sporting pride. The league aims to strengthen the hockey ecosystem across Chhattisgarh, create structured competitive opportunities for emerging players, and contribute to the national sport's revival in the state. Notably, this is the first time any state government in India has organised a franchise-based hockey league, setting a potential template for other states. The tournament is scheduled to run for 12 days, concluding on 1 November at the Raipur stadium.