The much-anticipated return of the Hockey India League (HIL) has finally arrived, and the excitement is palpable. After a gap of seven years, this iconic tournament is making its comeback, with the player auction kicking off on 13th October. The event, which will span three days, is being held in New Delhi, and hockey enthusiasts are gearing up to witness their favorite players go under the hammer.
The Hockey India League, which was last held in 2017, now includes both men’s and women’s tournaments for the first time. This development has made the league even more appealing, as top talents from across the globe prepare to compete on Indian soil.
What Makes This Hockey India League Special?
In its earlier editions, HIL only featured men’s teams, but this time, the excitement has doubled with the addition of a women’s tournament. Eight men’s teams and six women’s teams will participate, and both tournaments will run simultaneously, marking a new chapter in Indian hockey.
The timing of HIL’s return couldn’t have been better. After India’s success in the Tokyo Olympics, where the men’s team secured a historic bronze, the excitement for hockey has been rekindled. The addition of a women’s tournament further strengthens the league’s appeal and is expected to draw significant attention.
Auction Schedule and Format
The player auction began on October 13 and will continue till October 15. The first two days are reserved for the men’s auction, while the women’s auction will take place on the final day. The auction is being held at a luxury hotel in New Delhi, beginning at 2:30 PM each day.
In the men’s section, eight teams will bid for players to form their squads. Meanwhile, six teams in the women’s section will be finalizing their lineups.
Base Prices and Player Bidding
Much like the Indian Premier League (IPL), players in the Hockey India League auction have set base prices. The base prices in HIL range from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh, offering a wide range of options for teams. Players were free to set their base price according to their preferences.
Each team has a salary purse of ₹4 crore to assemble their squad. Teams are required to have 24 players in their squad, with a limit of 16 Indian players and 8 foreign players. Out of the 16 Indian players, 4 must be under the age of 21, ensuring young talent is nurtured.
Cities Represented in HIL
The eight men’s teams represent cities from across India:
- Delhi (SG Sports-Entertainment)
- Chennai (Charles Group)
- Lucknow (Yadu Sports)
- Kolkata (Shrachi Group)
- Odisha (Vedanta)
- Hyderabad (Resolute Sports)
- Ranchi (Navoyam- Team Gonasika, Visakhapatnam base)
- Punjab (JSW Sports)
For the women’s tournament, six teams are set to participate, representing:
- Delhi (SG Sports-Entertainment)
- Kolkata (Shrachi Group)
- Odisha (Navoyam)
- Haryana (JSW Sports)
The names of two more women’s teams are yet to be announced.
Global Talent at the Auction
While Indian players make up the bulk of the auction pool, international hockey stars will also be up for bidding. A total of 488 Indian players will be part of the auction, alongside many players from top hockey nations like Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Some key international figures include:
- 24 players from Australia
- 23 from Argentina
- 18 from England
- 15 from Belgium
- 17 from Spain
- 14 from the Netherlands (Olympic champions)
- 12 from Germany (World champions)
With players from these top-tier hockey nations, the competition is set to be fierce, and the league promises thrilling action for hockey fans worldwide.
Building Teams for the New Era of HIL
As teams look to form their squads, the strategy will involve balancing Indian talent with international experience. The cap on foreign players ensures a strong Indian presence, while the international stars will bring flair and experience to the tournament.
The inclusion of young Indian players (under 21) is another exciting element. This requirement not only boosts youth development but also gives emerging Indian hockey players a chance to rub shoulders with some of the best in the world.
Excitement Ahead
The return of the Hockey India League has generated a great deal of enthusiasm in the sports community. With the auction already underway, the hockey world is watching closely as teams finalize their lineups for what promises to be a historic and exciting season.
As the auction unfolds over the next few days, hockey fans across India and beyond will eagerly await to see which players land where, and how the teams shape up ahead of the league’s return. All eyes are now on Delhi, where the Hockey India League auction is bringing back the thrill of hockey at the highest level.
