Harmanpreet Singh Becomes Most Expensive Player in Hockey India League
The Hockey India League (HIL) is back after seven years, and the auctions are creating a buzz. Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh has been signed by Soorma Hockey Club for a whopping Rs 78 lakh, making him the most expensive player in the league. Known for his exceptional drag-flicking skills, Harmanpreet has scored 205 goals in 234 matches for India.
Other notable signings include Indian vice-captain Hardik Singh, who joined UP Rudras for Rs 70 lakh. Hardik has been instrumental in India’s victories, including the Paris Olympics bronze medal win, with 11 goals in 142 appearances. Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, an Olympic bronze medalist and Arjuna Awardee, was also signed by UP Rudras for Rs 28 lakh.
Hyderabad Toofans acquired Nilankanta Sharma, a dynamic midfielder with 16 goals in 132 international matches, for Rs 34 lakh. Kalinga Lancers strengthened their team by signing defender Sanjay for Rs 38 lakh. Soorma Hockey Club also added young talent Vivek Sagar Prasad for Rs 40 lakh.
The revamped HIL 2024-25 will feature 8 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams, marking the first standalone women’s league in India. The league will start on December 28, with matches in Ranchi and Rourkela, and conclude with the women’s final on January 26, 2025, and the men’s final on February 1, 2025.
Doubts Revealed
Harmanpreet Singh -: Harmanpreet Singh is a famous Indian field hockey player. He is known for his skills as a defender and drag-flicker, and he is the captain of the Indian national hockey team.
Hockey India League -: The Hockey India League is a professional field hockey league in India. It features teams from different parts of the country and is a platform for players to showcase their talent.
Soorma Hockey Club -: Soorma Hockey Club is one of the teams participating in the Hockey India League. They signed Harmanpreet Singh for a high price, making him the most expensive player in the league.
Rs 78 lakh -: Rs 78 lakh is a large amount of money, equivalent to 7.8 million Indian Rupees. It is the price paid by Soorma Hockey Club to sign Harmanpreet Singh.
UP Rudras -: UP Rudras is another team in the Hockey India League. They signed Hardik Singh, another talented hockey player, for Rs 70 lakh.
Kalinga Lancers -: Kalinga Lancers is a team in the Hockey India League. They signed a player named Sanjay for Rs 38 lakh.
Drag-flicker -: A drag-flicker is a player who specializes in a particular type of shot in field hockey. It is used during penalty corners to score goals.
