Hockey India League Auction Day 1: Harmanpreet Singh Most Expensive Player in HIL Auction - Top 5 Buys, Remaining Purse of All Teams

Add as a preferred source on Google

The Hockey India League (HIL) auction commenced with great excitement, marking the return of the league after a seven-year hiatus.

The first day's event, held on Sunday, saw India captain Harmanpreet Singh emerge as the most expensive player, fetching 78 lakh. The first day focused solely on men's players, with significant bids for members of the Indian national team.

The HIL is anticipated to be a large-scale event featuring eight men's teams and six women's teams. By the end of Day 1, several players were picked by different teams. The teams have an allotted budget of Rs 4 crore for their squad and all teams splashed a decent amount of money to get their targets.

Hockey India League Auction: Team Purses after Day 1 Auction

Soorma Hockey Club

Soorma Hockey Club spent 2.38 crore, leaving them with 1.62 crore. Their notable acquisitions include Harmanpreet Singh at 78 lakh as a defender and Jeremy Hayward at 42 lakh in the same position. They also secured Dayaan Cassiem for 25 lakh as a forward and Vincent Vanasch for 23 lakh as a goalkeeper.

Tamil Nadu Dragons

Tamil Nadu Dragons allocated 2.04 crore, retaining 1.96 crore. They made significant investments in defenders Jip Janssen and Amit Rohidas, spending 54 lakh and 48 lakh respectively. Forward Duco Telgenkamp was acquired for 36 lakh, while David Harte joined as goalkeeper for 32 lakh.

UP Rudras

UP Rudras used up 1.94 crore, keeping aside 2.06 crore. Their major acquisition was midfielder Hardik Singh at 70 lakh. They also added Lalit Kumar Upadhyaya as a forward for 28 lakh and Kane Russell as a defender for 30 lakh.

Delhi SG Pipers

Delhi SG Pipers spent a total of 2.19 crore, leaving them with a balance of 1.81 crore. Midfielders Shamsher Singh and Raj Kumar Pal were both acquired for around 40 lakh each. Defenders Rohit and Jarmanpreet Singh were also picked up at similar prices.

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers invested heavily with an expenditure of 2.555 crore, leaving them with just 1.445 crore remaining. Their standout purchase was forward Abhishek at an impressive price of 72 lakh. Jugraj Singh was another key acquisition in defence for 48 lakh.

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers spent conservatively at just 1.43 crore, maintaining a balance of 2.57 crore. Dilpreet Singh was their top pick at forward for 34 lakh, while Sanjay joined as a defender for 38 lakh.

Hyderabad Toofans

Hyderabad Toofans allocated funds amounting to 1.96 crore, keeping aside another 2.04 crore for the second day. Gonzalo Peillat was their primary defensive acquisition at a cost of 68 lakh, while Nilakanta Sharma joined as a midfielder for 34 lakh.

Team Gonasika

Team Gonasika splashed a total of 2.39 crore with 1.61 crore left in reserve. They secured Manpreet Singh as a midfielder and Araijeet Singh Hundal as a forward both priced at around Rs 42 lakhs each.

HIL Auction: Top Five Buys on Day 1

The auction's first day set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead in the HIL's revival year. The top three picks so far are Indian players. Germany's Gonzalo Peillat was the most expensive overseas auction. Here are the five biggest buys from the auction so far after the first day-