The much-anticipated Hockey India League (HIL) is set to return with auctions starting on 13th October in New Delhi.
The new format includes both men’s and women’s teams making it a historic return for the league that was closed down seven years back for being financially unsustainable.
The men’s auction will be held on the 13th and 14th of October, while the historic women’s auction will take place on the 15th of October. This auction not only signifies a revival of one of the most exciting hockey competitions in the world but also a major step forward in promoting women’s hockey in India.
Players’ Auction Details:
- Over 1,000 players have registered for the HIL 2024-25 auction, with a remarkable balance of domestic and international talent:
- Over 400 domestic men’s players
- Over 150 overseas men’s players
- Over 250 domestic women’s players
- Over 70 overseas women’s players
Players are divided into three base price categories: INR 2,00,000, INR 5,00,000, and INR 10,00,000, based on the value they selected for themselves. The breakdown is as follows:
- Over 600 players in the INR 2,00,000 category
- Over 250 players in the INR 5,00,000 category
- Over 250 players in the INR 10,00,000 category
Big names in the auction:
The Men’s Auction will kick off with India’s bronze medal-winning team from the Paris Olympics, featuring top stars like Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Vice Captain Hardik Singh, and seasoned players like Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh, among others.
Adding to the excitement, former Indian hockey legends such as Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra, and Dharamvir Singh have also registered, setting the stage for a highly anticipated event.
International hockey icons including Arthur van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, Gonzalo Peillat, Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman, and Dayaan Cassiem will add global talent and flair to the men’s league.
The Women’s auction will kick off with top players from the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, including seasoned goalkeeper Savita, Captain Salima Tete, rising star and drag-flicker Deepika, the most-capped Indian women’s player Vandana Katariya, and Lalremsiami, among others.
Former Indian players like Yogita Bali, Lilima Minz, and Namita Toppo have also registered for the auction.
International women’s players including Delfina Merino, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Maria Granatto, Rachael Lynch, and Nike Lorenz are set to be part of the bidding war, adding further excitement to the first-ever HIL women’s league.
Team Composition:
Each team will consist of 24 players, including 16 Indian players (with a mandatory inclusion of 4 junior players) and 8 overseas players.