📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Mettle30
Sports
Olympic Stars to Captain Franchises in Inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League
✍️ The Statesman
🗓 15 Oct 2026, 04:46 AM
👁 8
The newly announced Chhattisgarh Hockey League will feature Olympic hockey medalists heading the franchise squads, marking a high‑profile start for the state’s first professional league.
The Chhattisgarh Hockey League, a state‑run professional competition, was unveiled this week with six franchise teams representing major districts. Organisers aim to boost grassroots participation and position the state as a new hub for Indian hockey.
Three Olympic‑medal‑winning players have been appointed as captains of the franchises, bringing international experience to the fledgling teams. Their presence is expected to raise the league’s competitive standards and attract wider media attention.
The inaugural season is slated to begin in December, with matches scheduled across venues in Raipur, Bilaspur and Durg. Ticket sales and broadcast rights are being negotiated to ensure broad accessibility for fans.
League officials say the involvement of Olympians underscores a commitment to professionalising hockey in central India and providing a clear pathway for local talent to compete at higher levels.
Three Olympic‑medal‑winning players have been appointed as captains of the franchises, bringing international experience to the fledgling teams. Their presence is expected to raise the league’s competitive standards and attract wider media attention.
The inaugural season is slated to begin in December, with matches scheduled across venues in Raipur, Bilaspur and Durg. Ticket sales and broadcast rights are being negotiated to ensure broad accessibility for fans.
League officials say the involvement of Olympians underscores a commitment to professionalising hockey in central India and providing a clear pathway for local talent to compete at higher levels.