14 october 2024 : The auction saw paddles raised continuously as franchises celebrated their successful bids with high-fives. The first day of the three-day revamped Hockey India League (HIL) auction concluded with 54 out of 72 players sold.
India’s captain, Harmanpreet Singh, emerged as the most expensive buy, going to Soorma Hockey Club for ₹78 lakh. The top-scorer at the Paris Olympics, who netted 10 goals, attracted bids from multiple teams before being acquired by the JSW Sports-owned club.
Abhishek, another Indian forward and Paris Olympics standout, was the second highest buy at ₹72 lakh, joining the Shrachi Sports-owned Bengal Tigers. India vice-captain Hardik Singh was picked up by UP Rudras for ₹70 lakh after a competitive bidding process on Sunday.
Sardar Singh, mentor of Delhi SG Pipers, remarked on the significant changes since he last participated in the HIL as a player seven years ago. He noted that Indian players are now commanding higher bids, which he believes is deserved and inspiring for upcoming juniors: “Things have changed. Indian players deserve this kind of money.”
The contracts for players span three years, with the auction amounts reflecting yearly figures.
The top overseas player was drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, sold to Hyderabad Toofans for ₹68 lakh. Dutch drag-flicker Jip Janssen was the fifth highest buy at ₹54 lakh.
Twice Olympic bronze medallist Gurjant Singh was the first player selected, going to Soorma Hockey Club for ₹19 lakh. All players had a base price of ₹10 lakh, and the auction began with current Indian players who medalled in Paris.
Other notable Indian purchases included Mandeep Singh (₹25 lakh to Team Gonasika), former captain Manpreet Singh (₹42 lakh to Team Gonasika), Sukhjeet Singh (₹42 lakh to Bengal Tigers), and Jugraj Singh (₹48 lakh to Bengal Tigers).
Among goalkeepers, Ireland’s David Harte topped the overseas buys at ₹32 lakh to TN Dragons, with other notable international goalkeepers also being sold.
The auction experienced some interruptions due to confusion over player lots and withdrawals. Interestingly, while seven men’s teams remained the same, one team changed ownership right before the auction. Navoyam Sports Ventures, which owned the Ranchi franchise, withdrew because they also own the women’s Odisha team.
The new owner, Tarini Prasad Mohanty, purchased the franchise just before the auction and moved the base to Visakhapatnam, renaming it Team Gonasika.
Vedanta-owned Kalinga Lancers announced former India high-performance director David John as their strategy director and former Indian goalkeeper AB Subbaiah as team manager. JSW Sports appointed former India captain Rani Rampal as the women’s team mentor.
The men’s auction will continue on Monday, while the women’s auction is scheduled for Tuesday. Each team has a budget of ₹4 crore to acquire 24 players, comprising 16 Indians (including a mandatory four juniors) and eight overseas players.
