The Hockey India League (HIL) is making a much-anticipated return, marking a new era for the sport in India. After a seven-year hiatus due to financial challenges, the league is set to roar back to life with a historic auction event, which begins on 13th October in New Delhi. This auction marks a significant moment not just for men’s hockey but also for women’s hockey, with both competitions running side by side for the first time.
Historic return with HIL Women’s League debut
This year’s auction will be split into two parts, with the men’s auction scheduled for 13th and 14th October, followed by the first-ever women’s auction on 15th October.
The inclusion of a women’s league in HIL is seen as a game-changer, pushing women’s hockey into the spotlight and offering female players, both domestic and international, the chance to showcase their talents on a bigger stage.
Record number of players register for HIL Auction
The upcoming auction has seen a record-breaking registration of over 1,000 players, with a healthy mix of domestic and international talents:
- 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. The largest pool of talent, over 600 players, falls in the lowest price category, while the rest are evenly distributed between the higher price brackets. This diverse range ensures teams have plenty of options to build balanced and competitive squads.
Star-Studded Men’s HIL Auction
The men’s auction promises to be a star-studded affair, with India’s bronze medal-winning team from the Paris Olympics taking centre stage. Fans can expect bidding wars over top players like Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Vice-Captain Hardik Singh, and seasoned stars such as Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh.
Adding even more excitement are Indian hockey legends like Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra, and Dharamvir Singh, all of whom have registered for the auction. These experienced players will bring a wealth of experience and skill, adding to the competition’s intensity.
On the international front, some of the biggest names in world hockey will be up for grabs, including Arthur van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, Gonzalo Peillat, Jip Janssen, and Thierry Brinkman. With these global superstars joining the league, the quality and excitement of the HIL are set to reach new heights.
Women’s HIL Auction set to make History
The first-ever women’s auction will be equally thrilling, with India’s top female hockey players taking the spotlight. Big names like Savita, Captain Salima Tete, rising drag-flicker Deepika, and the most-capped player Vandana Katariya will lead the charge.
Former Indian stars like Yogita Bali, Lilima Minz, and Namita Toppo have also entered the auction, ensuring that there will be plenty of experience on display.
On the international side, the likes of Delfina Merino, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Maria Granatto, and Rachael Lynch are set to spark fierce bidding wars, making the debut women’s league an event to watch closely.
Balanced Team Composition in Hockey India League
Each team in both the men’s and women’s leagues will consist of 24 players, with 16 Indian players (including a mandatory four junior players) and 8 overseas players.
This balance between domestic and international talent ensures that local players will have the opportunity to compete alongside some of the world’s best, boosting their development and experience.
Bright Future for Indian Hockey Team
The return of HIL with a strong international presence and the inclusion of a women’s league marks a bold new chapter for Indian hockey. This revamped and highly competitive format has the potential to reignite the country’s passion for the sport, while providing a platform for both men and women to shine on the global stage.
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