Ketan shines for the Knights as both teams share the spoils in a thrilling Chhattisgarh Hockey League encounter; Walmiki scores three for the Champions
TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 27, 2026: Yuvraj Walmiki struck a brilliant hat-trick, but his efforts were not enough to secure victory for S.V. Sunil-led Chakradhar Champions, who were held to a 4-4 draw by Surendra Singh’s Nyaydhani Knights in a high-octane Chhattisgarh Hockey League match on Tuesday.
While Walmiki spearheaded the Champions’ attack with three goals, Ketan produced an outstanding performance for the Knights, contributing crucial goals and playing a key role in his team’s attacking moves.
The encounter highlighted the contrasting strengths of the two sides. The Knights showcased their collective attacking depth, with Ketan, Adarsh and Sonu Nishad stepping up when penalty-corner specialist Chirag failed to convert six opportunities. The Champions, meanwhile, depended heavily on the experience and attacking prowess of Sunil and Walmiki.
Knights’ forwards turn the tide
The Knights gained momentum in the second quarter through a well-coordinated attacking move. Ketan made a sharp run down the right flank, beating four defenders before entering the circle. He then picked out Adarsh, who finished the move to put his team on the scoresheet.
The Knights struck again soon afterwards. Ketan penetrated the circle from the left and created another opportunity, with Sonu Nishad deflecting the ball into the net to give his side a 2-1 lead at half-time.
The Knights continued to press after the break. Despite Chirag missing another scoring opportunity, Ketan made no mistake from close range, scoring his first goal of the match and taking the Knights’ tally to four.
Walmiki’s hat-trick keeps Champions in the contest
Walmiki kept the Champions in contention with two penalty-stroke goals before completing his hat-trick with a superb field goal. Receiving a pass from Sunil just outside the circle, he unleashed a reverse flick that found the back of the net.
The strike marked Walmiki’s second hat-trick of the tournament. He came close to scoring a fourth goal, but the effort was ultimately credited to Khogeshwar after a deflection.
Neither side could find a decisive breakthrough in the closing stages, and the fiercely contested encounter ended with the scores level at 4-4.
Dignitaries present
The match was attended by Sonmoni Bora, Principal Secretary of the Urban Administration and Development Department; Prof. Rita Venugopal, Director of Physical Education at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University; U.P. Singh, Vice-President of the Jindal Group; Atul Kumar Gupta, Senior Manager at the Adani Group; and Sahi Ram Jakhar, Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Swimming Association.
The dignitaries presented awards to players for their performances during the match.
