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The Indian men’s hockey team captain, Harmanpreet Singh on Sunday, October 13 became the most expensive player so far in the ongoing auction of the Hockey India League (HIL). The Indian skipper was roped in by the Soorma Hockey Club for a massive sum of INR 78 Lakh on Sunday, October 13 in New Delhi.
The league which will make its return after seven-year hiatus, saw the eight men’s team make massive bids to rope in some of the best talents across the world. With each team allotted a budget of INR 4 Crore to make a 24-member squad, saw Soorma Hockey Club spend INR 78 Lakh on Harmanpreet Singh to lock in his services for the season.
While the veteran drag flicker became the top buy, Abhishek became the second-most expensive buy with Shrachi Rarh Bengal securing his services for INR 72 Lakh, followed by Hardik Singh, who went to UP Rudras for INR 70 Lakh. Other notable buys from the first lot included Amit Rohidas (Tamil Nadu Dragons), Jugraj Singh (Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers).
Gonalo Peillat becomes most expensive overseas player
Germany’s Gonzalo Peillat was also amongst the top buys as he was roped in by Tamil Nadu Dragons for INR 68 Lakh. The franchise also acquired the services of Netherlands’ Jip Janssen for INR 54 Lakh. Among the goalkeepers, Ireland’s David Harte was the top buy with Tamil Nadu-based franchise acquiring him for INR 32 Lakh.
Hockey India League to return after 7-year hiatus
In a major boost to Indian hockey, the Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make a historic comeback after a 7-year hiatus. The HIL 2024-25 will feature eight men’s teams and six women’s teams, marking the first time a standalone women’s league will run concurrently with the men’s competition. This monumental expansion is a testament to Hockey India’s commitment to fostering both male and female talent in the sport, elevating the status of Indian hockey on a global scale.
