India’s hockey captain and star drag-flicker, Harmanpreet Singh, was the most expensive player on Day 1 of the Hockey India League (HIL) auction. Soorma Hockey Club acquired Harmanpreet for Rs 78 lakh, marking the highest bid of the day. The auction saw franchises vying to secure top Indian and international talents to strengthen their squads.
Bidding Focus on Core Indian Players
The auction, held on Sunday, featured a total of 54 players, including 18 international stars. Teams spent significantly on key Indian players who are core members of the national team. Following Harmanpreet Singh, forward Abhishek was the second-most expensive player, bought by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for Rs 72 lakh. Hardik Singh was picked by UP Rudras for Rs 70 lakh, making him the third top buy.
Notable Bids on Day 1 of Auction at Hockey India League
| Player | Team | Price (in Rs lakh) |
| Harmanpreet Singh | Soorma Hockey Club | 78 |
| Abhishek | Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers | 72 |
| Hardik Singh | UP Rudras | 70 |
| Amit Rohidas | Tamil Nadu Dragons | 48 |
| Jugraj Singh | Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers | 48 |
| Gonzalo Peillat (GER) | Hyderabad Toofans | 68 |
| Jip Janssen (NED) | Tamil Nadu Dragons | 54 |
International Players in Demand at Hockey India League
While Indian players took the top slots, several international stars also fetched high bids. Germany’s drag-flicker, Gonzalo Peillat, was purchased by Hyderabad Toofans for Rs 68 lakh, making him the most expensive foreign player. Other notable international players included Jip Janssen from the Netherlands and Ireland’s goalkeeper David Harte.
Total Spending and Franchise Strategy
Teams spent a total of Rs 16.88 crore across eight franchises on Day 1. The strategy focused on balancing experienced Indian players with top international talents to form competitive teams. This investment aims to enhance the quality of play in the league and boost the sport’s popularity in India.
Harmanpreet Singh Becomes Most Expensive Player at Hockey India League Auction- News Summary
- Harmanpreet Singh was the most expensive player in the HIL auction, secured by Soorma Hockey Club for Rs 78 lakh.
- Abhishek and Hardik Singh followed as the second and third top buys.
- International players like Gonzalo Peillat and Jip Janssen also attracted significant bids.
- Franchises spent Rs 16.88 crore on the first day to build balanced and competitive squads.
Hockey India League Auction Official Website
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
Harmanpreet Singh was the most expensive player, bought by Soorma Hockey Club for Rs 78 lakh.
Abhishek was purchased by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for Rs 72 lakh.
Hardik Singh was acquired by UP Rudras for Rs 70 lakh.
Yes, Germany’s Gonzalo Peillat and Netherlands’ Jip Janssen were some of the top international players who were highly bid for.
A total of Rs 16.88 crore was spent by the franchises on the first day.
Teams focused on acquiring core Indian players with national team experience and balanced their squads with skilled international talents.
Ireland’s David Harte was the top goalkeeper, acquired by Tamil Nadu Dragons for Rs 32 lakh.