15 October 2024: On Day 2 of the Hockey India League (HIL) auction, overseas players dominated the bidding, with Belgium’s Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Victor Wegnez emerging as the highest-priced player, sold for ₹40 lakh to JSW Sports-owned Soorma Hockey Club. Netherlands captain Thierry Brinkman, also an Olympic gold medalist, followed closely, fetching ₹38 lakh from Kalinga Lancers. Argentine forward Tomas Domene was picked up by Delhi SG Pipers for ₹36 lakh.
Kalinga Lancers further strengthened their squad by acquiring Belgian star Arthur van Doren for ₹32 lakh, while Indian midfielder M Rabichandra Singh was their top Indian purchase at the same price. Other notable buys included Belgium’s Arthur de Sloover (₹30 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans) and Australia’s Timothy Daniel (₹28 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans). Players like Australia’s Aran Zalewski, Blake Govers, and Dutchman Floritz Wortelboer were all bought for ₹27 lakh each.
In a surprise turn, top international players such as Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter, English drag-flickers Sam Ward and Nick Bandurak, and Germany’s World Cup winner Mats Grambusch were not picked.
Among Indian players, Angad Bir Singh (₹26 lakh to Kalinga Lancers) and Rajinder Singh (₹23 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans) fetched impressive bids, far exceeding their base prices.
In the women’s league, it was confirmed that the inaugural season would feature only four teams due to franchise limitations. Soorma Hockey Club, Bengal Tigers, Delhi SG Pipers, and Odisha Warriors will compete, with franchises like Hyderabad Toofans and BC Jindal Group expected to join in Season 2. The women’s auction, with a total of 96 slots, will see India’s top female athletes, including stars like Savita, Salima Tete, and Vandana Katariya, alongside international talents such as Delfina Merino and Charlotte Stapenhorst, go under the hammer.
