Sports are central to Rajnandgaon's identity, earning it the title **"Nursery of Hockey"** in India.
* **Field Hockey:** The city has a deep-rooted hockey culture and has produced several national and international players. * **International Astro Turf Hockey Stadium:** A premier facility that hosts state, national, and exhibition matches, fostering the next generation of players. * **Digvijay Stadium:** A historic multi-purpose stadium in the heart of the city used for cricket, football, and athletics. * **Local Tournaments:** The Mahant Raja Sarveshwar Das Memorial All India Hockey Tournament is a prestigious event that draws teams from across the country.