The highly anticipated Hockey India League (HIL) Women’s Auction 2024 brought excitement to the hockey community, marking the first-ever auction for women’s teams in the league. The event on October 15, saw fierce bidding as franchises scrambled to secure top talent for the inaugural season. However, it was Udita Duhan, the national team defender, who stole the spotlight, becoming the highest-paid player at the auction with a staggering bid of Rs 32 lakh.
Women’s Hockey India League auction – top buys
Udita Duhan – Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers – 32 lakh
Lalremsiami – Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers – 25 lakh
Sunelita Toppo – Delhi SG Pipers – 24 lakh
Sangita Kumari – Delhi SG Pipers – 22 lakh
Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke – Soorma Hockey Club – 21 lakh
Udita Duhan leads the pack
Udita Duhan, a crucial figure in India’s defence, sparked an intense bidding war between the Shrachi Rahr Bengal Tigers and Delhi SG Pipers. The battle for her services escalated quickly, with the final price settling at Rs 32 lakh, making her the most expensive player in the auction. Shrachi Tigers secured Udita, adding a top-class defender to their roster.
Rising Stars Shine: Sunelita Toppo and Sangita Kumari
The auction also saw young stars Sunelita Toppo and Sangita Kumari make waves with big paydays. Toppo, a 17-year-old forward, attracted significant interest from both the Soorma Hockey Club and the Pipers. The bidding war for her intensified as the price soared, with the Pipers eventually winning her for Rs 24 lakh.
Sangita Kumari, another rising talent in Indian hockey, was sold to Delhi SG Pipers for Rs 22 lakh. Known for her speed and sharp forward play, Kumari is expected to be a key asset for the Pipers in the upcoming season.
Big names in demand: Hockey India League
Several top Indian internationals were up for grabs during the auction. Salima Tete, the current national team captain, was sold to Soorma Hockey Club for Rs 20 lakh after a bidding battle with Shrachi Tigers and the Pipers. The price for Tete, who has been instrumental in India’s midfield, was lower than expected, surprising many observers.
Goalkeeper Savita Punia, one of India’s most celebrated players, also drew significant attention. Soorma Hockey Club won the bid for Punia at Rs 20 lakh, securing a key figure in their defence.
Value Buys and Emerging Talent at HIL Auction 2024
While some top stars commanded high bids, there were notable value buys. Vandana Katariya, India’s most capped player and a top forward, was a shock acquisition for the Shrachi Tigers at just Rs 10.5 lakh. The minimal competition for Vandana surprised many, given her vast experience and track record.
Other notable sales included the young drag-flick specialist Deepika, who was sold to Delhi SG Pipers for Rs 20 lakh after a heated contest with Odisha Warriors.
New era for India Women’s Hockey
With over 250 domestic players and more than 70 international stars up for auction, the event marks a significant step forward for women’s hockey in India. The four teams—Soorma Hockey Club (Punjab and Haryana), Shrachi Rahr Bengal Tigers (West Bengal), Delhi SG Pipers (New Delhi), and Odisha Warriors (Rourkela)—are all set to make history in the upcoming season, with teams bolstered by both seasoned veterans and fresh talent.
As Hockey India League welcomes women’s teams for the first time, the auction results show great promise for the future of the sport, offering a platform for emerging players to shine on a bigger stage. With top players and exciting young talent now signed to teams, the inaugural women’s season promises to be an exciting spectacle.
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