New Delhi [India], October 14 : Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey expressed happiness with the response of all the stakeholders to the ongoing auction of the Hockey India League (HIL), which is making its return after seven years.
The auctions for the competition, making its return after seven years, are taking place from October 13 to 15.
Speaking to ANI, Tirkey said, "Today the auction is taking place and our Paris Olympics bronze medalists are participating. There was a heavy competition in the bidding. Harmanpreet Singh and Hardik Singh got big-money deals. Sumit, Vivek Prasad also had interesting bids for them. All teams have to complete their 24 players. It was our vision to have this league, it is vital for our future, young players and coaches. The response from the franchises and stakeholders has been positive. It is just the start."
Also, Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh hailed Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who became the most expensive player in the competition for Rs 78 lakh and was fetched by Soorma Hockey Club, as one of the best in the world.
"He is our captain, scored 10 goals in the Paris Olympics. Any amount of appreciation is less for him. The bid he has got is great. All players are getting great bids. Players are getting way more value than we expected. It is a good sign for hockey and players," he added.
It was an eventful opening day of the Hockey India League (HIL) Player Auction 2024/25 as 54 players, including 18 overseas players were sold here on Sunday. All eight franchises spent as many as 16 crores 88 lakhs 50 thousand on day 1 as the Indian Men's Hockey team core players, along with overseas drag-flickers fetched big bids.
Gurjant Singh (19 lakh) was the first player who went under the hammer, while star drag-flicker and Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh (78 lakh) emerged as the costliest buy on the opening day of the HIL 2024/25 Player Auction. Both players were acquired by Soorma Hockey Club.
Abhishek became the second-most expensive buy of the day, acquired by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for 72 lakh, while Hardik Singh went to UP Rudras for 70 lakh. Germany's Gonzalo Peillat was the most expensive overseas player as he was bought for 68 lakh along with the Netherlands' Jip Janssen who was acquired for 54 lakh by Tamil Nadu Dragons.
As per Hockey India's press release, other notable buys from the first lot included Amit Rohidas (for 48 lakh to Tamil Nadu Dragons), Jugraj Singh (for 48 lakh to Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers), Sumit (for 46 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans), and Araijeet Singh Hundal (for 42 lakh to Team Gonasika).
The Netherlands' duo of Lars Balk and Duco Telgenkamp were among the day's top buys. While Balk was acquired for 40 lakh by UP Rudras, Telgenkamp was bought for 36 lakh by Tamil Nadu Dragons.
Foreign goalkeepers - Ireland's David Harte (for 32 lakh to Tamil Nadu Dragons), Germany's Jean-Paul Danneberg (for 27 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans), and the Netherlands' Pirmin Blaak (for 25 lakh to Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers) also fetched big bids.
List of top five buys from Day 1
Harmanpreet Singh (IND) - Soorma Hockey Club - 78 lakh
Abhishek (IND) - Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers - 72 lakh
Hardik Singh (IND) - UP Rudras - 70 lakh
Gonzalo Peillat (GER) - Hyderabad Toofans - 68 lakh
Jip Janssen (NED) - Tamil Nadu Dragons - 54 lakh
Purse remaining for franchises
1. Hyderabad Toofans - 204.00 lakh
2. Soorma Hockey Club - 162.00 lakh
3. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers - 144.50 lakh
4. Delhi SG Pipers - 181.00 lakh
5. Tamil Nadu Dragons - 196.00 lakh
6. UP Rudras - 206.00 lakh
7. Kalinga Lancers - 257.00 lakh
8. Team Gonasika 161.00 lakh.