States » NorthPosted at: Nov 2 2026 1:10PM


Chhattisgarh Hockey League a role model for country; hockey is nation’s pride: Mandaviya

Raipur, Nov 2 (UNI) union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday described the Chhattisgarh Hockey League as a role model for the entire country, saying such initiatives are crucial for nurturing sporting talent and strengthening India's hockey legacy.
Addressing the closing and prize distribution ceremony of the league at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium, Mandaviya, along with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, congratulated the winning and runner-up teams and players who excelled in the competition.
Mandaviya said the successful organisation of the league reflected the government's commitment to promoting sports and creating opportunities for young talent. "Hockey is the pride of the nation and an integral part of India's rich sporting heritage," he said.
Recalling the contribution of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, he said the wizard of Indian hockey had brought international glory to the country through his extraordinary skills, and his achievements continued to inspire generations of young players.
Mandaviya said a new sporting culture is taking shape in the country under the leadership of PM Modi. Initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India have significantly increased awareness and enthusiasm for sports among young people.
He said sports is no longer viewed merely as a recreational activity or a means of maintaining physical fitness but has emerged as an important avenue for young people to showcase their abilities and build promising careers.
Expressing confidence in the league's future, Mandaviya said it would expand in scale and competitiveness in the coming years, providing players from Chhattisgarh and other parts of the country with a valuable platform to hone their skills and establish themselves at higher levels.
Chief Minister Sai described the league as a significant initiative to promote sporting talent in Chhattisgarh, saying it had brought together players from different regions and provided them an opportunity to learn from experienced national and international players.
He said the state had immense sporting potential, particularly in its villages, tribal belts and remote areas, but young talent needed proper opportunities, modern training facilities and adequate infrastructure to excel.
He said the Chhattisgarh Hockey League has commendably brought different parts of the state together through sport. Six teams—Rajdhani Royals, Nyaydhani Knights, Sanskardhani Strikers, Chakradhar Champions, Bailadila Bulls and Mainpat Titans—participated in the competition. Their participation made the event a sporting celebration for the entire state. Players from Bastar to Surguja and from Raigarh to Rajnandgaon had an opportunity to compete with one another, share experiences and improve their skills.
The Chief Minister said a major feature of the league was the participation of one Olympian in each team. This allowed the state’s young players to share the field with experienced international players and learn the finer points of the game. Such events build young players’ confidence and play an important role in preparing them for major competitions.
He said the league’s message, ‘Chalav Re Sangi, Hockey Khelbo’—has become an inspiring call encouraging the state’s youth to take up sport. Another special feature was the arrangement to broadcast matches on JioHotstar, bringing Chhattisgarh’s players to a wider audience. Commentary in Chhattisgarhi, alongside Hindi, made the event more engaging and closely connected with local culture. Viewers experienced the excitement of hockey along with the sweetness of the Chhattisgarhi language.
Chief Minister Sai said that his government is committed to identifying sporting talent, encouraging players and providing better training. The Mukhyamantri Khel Utkarsh Mission has been launched with this objective. Through the mission, the government will identify talent in villages and remote areas and connect promising players with training centres. The government aims to ensure that no talented player’s dream remains unfulfilled because of a lack of resources. UNI SRC NST AAB
Tags: #Chhattisgarh Hockey League a role model for country; hockey is nation’s pride: Mandaviya
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