Defeat Sankalp Academy Kawardha 4–1 in shootout after thrilling final ends 2–2
Published on: December 29, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The District Hockey Association Rajnandgaon emerged champions of the State-Level Night 7-a-Side Floodlight Hockey Tournament, held from December 25 to 28, 2025, under the auspices of the District Hockey Association Kawardha and recognised by Chhattisgarh Hockey. In a gripping final, Rajnandgaon defeated Sankalp Academy Kawardha by 4–1 in a shootout to secure the prestigious title.
The final match proved to be a nail-biting encounter, with both teams locked at 2–2 at the end of regulation time. The contest was eventually decided through a shootout, where Rajnandgaon players displayed exceptional composure and skill to claim a decisive victory.
Strong Tournament Campaign
District Hockey Association President Firoz Ansari said the tournament was organised with the aim of promoting hockey in the state and featured eight teams from across Chhattisgarh. Rajnandgaon began their campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Sports Hockey Academy Raipur by 5–1. In that match, Khushal Yadav scored two goals, while Sandeep Thakur, Shakeel Ahmed and Sonu Nishad added one goal each.
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In the quarterfinals, Rajnandgaon edged past District Hockey Association Kawardha with a 2–1 win to enter the semifinals. The semifinal clash against Hockey Durg was equally thrilling. The teams were tied 2–2 at halftime, but Rajnandgaon’s aggressive play in the second half saw them score three goals. Despite Durg scoring twice, Rajnandgaon secured a 5–4 victory to book their place in the final.
Team Composition and Guidance
The championship-winning Rajnandgaon squad included Shakeel Ahmed, Manish Yadav (Musi), Mithlesh Pandya, Khushal Yadav, Sandeep Thakur, Aditya Meshram, Sandeep Yadav, Khemraj Sinha, Sonu Nishad and Sukhdev Nirmalkar. The team was guided by Coach Pratik Tiwari and Manager Toufeeq Ahmed, whose strategic support played a crucial role in the team’s success.
Congratulatory Messages Pour In
Following the victory, District Hockey Association President Firoz Ansari, Secretary Shivnarayan Dhaketa, international hockey player Mrinal Chaubey, along with several officials, senior players and sports enthusiasts, congratulated the team and wished them continued success in the future.
With this state-level triumph, the District Hockey Association Rajnandgaon has once again demonstrated that the district’s hockey talent continues to make a strong and consistent mark at the state level.
