Ketan Kushwaha scores a field goal and earns Player of the Match honours; Indravati Tigress thrash Mahanadi Falcons 4-1 in women’s exhibition match
TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 22, 2026: Nyaydhani Knights, led by Olympian Surendra Singh, began their Chhattisgarh Hockey League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Rajdhani Royals, captained by Olympian Lalit Upadhyay, at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium here on Thursday.
Chirag and Ketan Kushwaha scored for the Nyaydhani Knights, while Roshan netted the lone goal for the Rajdhani Royals. Kushwaha was named both Striker of the Match and Player of the Match for his impressive performance.
Early goals give Knights the edge
The Nyaydhani Knights adopted an attacking approach from the outset and took the lead in the 12th minute when Chirag converted a penalty corner with a powerful flick.
Ketan Kushwaha doubled the advantage early in the second quarter, weaving past opposition defenders before finding the net with a field goal to make it 2-0.
The Knights had another opportunity to extend their lead but failed to convert a penalty corner. The Rajdhani Royals attempted to fight back, with captain Lalit Upadhyay stepping up the pressure in midfield. However, the team could not make the most of its scoring opportunities.
The Knights’ defence, marshalled by Surendra Singh, kept the opposition forwards under pressure and effectively cleared the ball from the shooting circle. Singh suffered a facial injury late in the second quarter while attempting to intercept a pass intended for Rajdhani Royals player Aniket Kujur.
Royals struggle to find an equaliser
The Knights earned another penalty corner early in the second half after a stick-check infringement by Sanjit Tirkey, but could not convert it. Kushwaha made several attempts to score again, while the Royals also entered the opposition’s shooting circle on multiple occasions. A lack of coordination among their forwards, however, prevented them from turning these moves into goals.
The fourth quarter saw the pace of the contest slow as the Royals struggled to mount a comeback. A collision between Royals’ first rusher Premchand Soy and Knights player Chirag briefly halted play, with both players falling to the turf.
Neither side managed to add to the score, and the Nyaydhani Knights secured a 2-1 win.
Two matches scheduled for Friday
The league continues at the same stadium on Friday, October 23. Mainpat Titans will take on Bailadila Bulls at 5.30 pm, followed by a 7.30 pm clash between Chakradhar Champions and Sanskardhani Strikers.
Indravati Tigress defeat Falcons 4-1
In the women’s exhibition match held alongside the league opener, Indravati Tigress registered a convincing 4-1 victory over Mahanadi Falcons.
Indravati captain Anchal Sahu led from the front, scoring twice, while Leena Korse and Mamteshwari Lahre contributed one goal each. Riya Khalkho scored the only goal for Mahanadi Falcons.
The Tigress controlled approximately 60 per cent of the match possession and maintained an aggressive approach throughout. The Falcons struggled to coordinate their attacks and failed to match their opponents’ ball control and attacking intent.
League aims to strengthen hockey in Chhattisgarh
Organised by the Chhattisgarh Government’s Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, the Chhattisgarh Hockey League is the state’s first official state-level franchise hockey league. The inaugural edition is being held from October 21 to November 1 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur.
Six teams—Rajdhani Royals, Bailadila Bulls, Sanskardhani Strikers, Chakradhar Champions, Nyaydhani Knights and Mainpat Titans—are competing for the title.
Each team has a squad of 22 players, comprising 18 from Chhattisgarh and four from outside the state, with players competing at national or international levels.
Organised under the motto “Chalo Re Sangi, Hockey Khelbo” (Come along, friends, let’s play hockey), the league aims to provide local players with competitive exposure, identify emerging talent and create pathways to higher-level competitions. It is also intended to strengthen the state’s hockey ecosystem and promote the sport across Chhattisgarh.
