Harmanpreet Singh Shines in Hockey India League Auction
New Delhi, India – October 13: Indian hockey star and Olympic medalist Harmanpreet Singh expressed his excitement after becoming the most expensive player in the Hockey India League (HIL) auction. The auctions, marking the league’s return after seven years, are being held from October 13 to 15.
Harmanpreet’s Enthusiastic Reaction
In a video shared by Hockey India, Harmanpreet said, “Harmanpreet Singh this side. I am really excited because I have been picked by the Punjab team. Our team’s name is Soorma Hockey Club. Also more happier that HIL is coming back. It is a nice opportunity for our youngsters to showcase their talent and the future of hockey is brighter. Punjabi aagye oye (Punjabis are here).”
Record-Breaking Auction
Harmanpreet was signed by Soorma Hockey Club for Rs 78 lakh, making him the most expensive player in the league. Known for his exceptional drag-flicking skills, he has scored 205 goals in 234 appearances for the national team.
Other Key Players
Indian vice-captain Hardik Singh was also a significant acquisition, joining UP Rudras for Rs 70 lakh. Hardik, a key player in the Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning team, has scored 11 goals in 142 appearances.
HIL 2024-25 Season Details
The revamped HIL 2024-25 will feature 8 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams, with the women’s league being the first standalone competition in the country. Matches will be held at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. The women’s league will end on January 26, 2025, in Ranchi, and the men’s final is scheduled for February 1, 2025, in Rourkela.
Doubts Revealed
Harmanpreet Singh -: Harmanpreet Singh is a famous Indian hockey player who has won an Olympic medal. He plays as a defender and is known for his strong skills in the game.
Hockey India League -: The Hockey India League (HIL) is a professional field hockey league in India. It provides a platform for players to showcase their talent and compete at a high level.
Auction -: An auction is an event where players are bid on by different teams. The team that offers the most money gets to have the player on their team.
Soorma Hockey Club -: Soorma Hockey Club is one of the teams in the Hockey India League. They signed Harmanpreet Singh for a large amount of money.
Rs 78 lakh -: Rs 78 lakh is a large amount of money, equal to 7.8 million rupees. It shows how valuable Harmanpreet Singh is as a player.
Hardik Singh -: Hardik Singh is another talented Indian hockey player. He is the vice-captain of the Indian hockey team and was also bought by a team in the auction.
UP Rudras -: UP Rudras is another team in the Hockey India League. They bought Hardik Singh for Rs 70 lakh.
Ranchi and Rourkela -: Ranchi and Rourkela are cities in India where some of the Hockey India League matches will be played.
Men’s and Women’s teams -: In the Hockey India League, there are separate teams for men and women. This allows both male and female players to compete in the league.