Indian Hockey Team in recent times has gained immense popularity among the fans for their recent achievements in major competitions. They won the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics 2024 and then the Asia Cup as well. After seeing the recent success of the team, the Indian Hockey Association has once again started the Hockey India League (HIL) after a gap of 7 years.
The auction of the competition took place on Sunday. India captain Harmanpreet Singh became the most expensive player on day one of the Hockey India League auction. Soorma Hockey Club paying INR 78 lakh for the star drag-flicker. All eight clubs invested substantially to obtain key players for the Indian men’s hockey squad. Harmanpreet Singh has been the star performer for India in recent times and has scored 205 goals in 234 appearances for the national senior team.
Harmanpreet Singh was part of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He won the bronze medal as a player in the previous multinational event. In 2024 he was added to the elite captain’s list who won the Olympic medals for the nation. In all, 54 players, including 18 overseas players were sold on Sunday. All eight franchises spent a total of INR 16 crore 88 lakh 50 thousand on Day 1.
Indian Hockey players are not worth the hype
Are Indian players worth the money they are acquiring? Abhishek became the second-most expensive purchase. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers paid INR 72 lakh for him, while Hardik Singh went to UP Rudras for INR 70 lakh. Other significant purchases from the first lot included Amit Rohidas, who went to Tamil Nadu Dragons for INR 48 lakh, and Jugraj Singh, who was bought for the same amount by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.
The most expensive overseas player was Germany’s Gonzalo Peillat, who was signed for Rs 68 lakh by the Tamil Nadu Dragons. Jip Janssen of the Netherlands was also acquired by the Tamil Nadu Dragons for Rs 54 lakh. Among the overseas goalkeepers, Ireland’s David Harte was the most expensive, with the Tamil Nadu Dragons paying Rs 32 lakh.
