Bengaluru, Oct 11 (FN Agency) The stage is primed for the highly anticipated return of the Hockey India League (HIL), as the players’ auction for the 2024-25 season showcases an impressive array of both Indian and international hockey talent. The men’s auction will feature members of India’s bronze medal-winning team from the Paris Olympics, including standout stars such as Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Vice Captain Hardik Singh, and seasoned players Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh. The event will also see participation from former Indian legends like Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra, and Dharamvir Singh, ensuring an exciting atmosphere. Moreover, the league will welcome international hockey icons including Arthur van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, Gonzalo Peillat, Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman, and Dayaan Cassiem, bringing a global flair to the competition. In the women’s auction, top players from the Indian Women’s Hockey Team will take centre stage. Among them are experienced goalkeeper Savita, Captain Salima Tete, rising star and drag-flicker Deepika, and the most-capped Indian women’s player, Vandana Katariya. Former Indian players like Yogita Bali, Lilima Minz, and Namita Toppo will also participate, alongside international talent such as Delfina Merino, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Maria Granatto, Rachael Lynch, and Nike Lorenz. Scheduled to take place from 13 to 15 October at the Hyatt Regency, this auction represents a pivotal moment in shaping the franchises for the upcoming season. After a seven-year hiatus, the HIL is making a grand comeback, introducing an expanded format that includes both a men’s league and, for the first time, an exclusive women’s league running concurrently. The men’s auction kicks off on 13 and 14 October, followed by the historic women’s auction on 15 October.
This revival not only promises to deliver one of the most exciting hockey competitions globally but also signifies a major step forward in promoting women’s hockey in India. Over 1,000 players have registered for the HIL 2024-25 auction, highlighting a remarkable mix of domestic and international talent. The men’s auction will feature over 400 domestic players and more than 150 overseas players, while the women’s auction will include over 250 domestic players and 70 international athletes. Players are categorised into three base price tiers: INR 2,00,000, INR 5,00,000, and INR 10,00,000, determined by the players themselves. Notably, over 600 players fall into the INR 2,00,000 category, with more than 250 players in both the INR 5,00,000 and INR 10,00,000 categories. Each team will comprise 24 players, including 16 Indian players—four of whom must be juniors—and eight international players, reflecting HIL’s commitment to fostering both local and global talent. The 2024-25 season is set to officially commence on 28 December 2024, with a grand opening ceremony in Rourkela, Odisha. Matches will be held at two iconic venues: the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. The women’s league final is scheduled for 26 January 2025 in Ranchi, while the men’s final will take place on 1 February 2025 in Rourkela.To ensure that every match concludes with a winner, the league has introduced shootouts for any ties, promising fans intense and decisive hockey action. The HIL’s return marks the dawn of a new era for hockey in India, generating heightened excitement for players and fans alike.