The much-awaited Hockey India League (HIL) is making a comeback after a seven-year break, with over 1,000 players set to participate in the auction from October 13 to 15. This season introduces an expanded format that features both men's and, for the first time, women's leagues running simultaneously.
The auction for the eight-team men's competition will take place on October 13 and 14, followed by the women's auction on October 15. Hockey India expressed enthusiasm for the revival of this thrilling competition, highlighting its significance in promoting women's hockey in India.
With more than 1,000 players registered, the men’s event includes over 400 domestic players and more than 150 international players. The women’s auction features 250 domestic players and 70 from overseas.
Players are categorized into three base price groups: ₹2,00,000, ₹5,00,000, and ₹10,00,000, depending on the value they select for themselves.
The men's auction will begin with members of India's bronze medal-winning Olympic team, including star players such as captain Harmanpreet Singh and vice captain Hardik Singh, along with seasoned athletes like Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh. Legendary figures like Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra, and Dharamvir Singh have also signed up, adding to the excitement.
The men's league will see international stars like Arthur van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, Gonzalo Peillat, Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman, and Dayaan Cassiem, bringing a wealth of global talent to the competition.
The women's auction will feature top players from the Indian women's hockey team, including standout goalkeeper Savita, captain Salima Tete, rising star Deepika, the most-capped Vandana Katariya, and Lalremsiami. Former Indian players like Yogita Bali, Lilima Minz, and Namita Toppo will also be part of the auction, alongside international talents such as Delfina Merino, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Maria Granatto, Rachael Lynch, and Nike Lorenz.
Each team will comprise 24 players, including 16 Indian players—four of whom must be juniors—and eight overseas players.
The HIL 2024-25 season is set to kick off on December 28 in Rourkela, Odisha, with matches hosted at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. The women's league final will take place on January 26 in Ranchi, followed by the men's final on February 1 in Rourkela.
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