The much-anticipated revival of the Hockey India League has generated excitement among hockey fans across the country. The player auction, taking place between 13th and 15th October in New Delhi, will see over 1,000 players going under the hammer, including more than 550 men. The men’s auction is set for the 13th and 14th, while the women’s auction will take place on the 15th.
Spanning over two days, the men’s auction promises intense bidding for some of the top hockey talents. With over 400 domestic and 150 overseas players available, franchises will have plenty of options to build competitive teams. The players have been categorized under three base prices: ₹2 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹10 lakh.
Let’s take a closer look at the top Indian players expected to fetch big sums in the auction.
Harmanpreet Singh (Base price ₹10 Lakh):
It’s no surprise that India’s captain fantastic, Harmanpreet Singh, will be the most iconic player going under the hammer. A penalty corner specialist and one of the best defenders in world hockey today, Harmanpreet has over 200 caps and goals for India. At 28, he is at the peak of his career, and franchises will be eager to secure his services, knowing he brings both leadership and game-changing ability.
Kishan Bahadur Pathak (Base price ₹10 Lakh):
With the legendary PR Sreejesh no longer in the fray, Kishan Pathak has emerged as India’s first-choice goalkeeper. The 27-year-old has 125 caps and was crucial in India’s title defense at the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy. His rise as India’s main custodian has made him one of the hottest picks in the auction, and he is expected to attract significant attention from franchises.
Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (Base price ₹10 Lakh):
The 30-year-old forward is a proven goal-scorer, having netted over 45 goals for India in more than 175 appearances. His ability to find field goals, particularly in high-stakes matches like the Paris Olympics quarter-final against Great Britain, makes him a valuable addition to any team. Franchises looking for a reliable forward will likely target Lalit.
Amit Rohidas (Base price ₹10 Lakh):
With over 190 appearances for the national team, Amit Rohidas is a solid defender known for his ability to chase down counterattacks and contribute to the offense. The 31-year-old has also scored around 30 goals for India. His defensive prowess and versatility on the field make him an asset for any franchise, and his base price reflects his experience and impact.
Manpreet Singh (Base price ₹10 Lakh):
One of India’s most experienced players, Manpreet Singh has earned over 375 caps and has captained India to some of their greatest successes, including the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The 32-year-old midfielder is not only a leader on the field but also instrumental in controlling the pace of the game and launching attacks. Any team looking for a seasoned playmaker will likely bid heavily for Manpreet.
Other players who are likely to draw interest include midfielders Vivek Sagar Prasad (24) and Shamsher Singh (27), defender Jarmanpreet Singh (28), and forward Sukhjeet Singh (27). In addition, former Indian hockey stars like Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra, and Dharamvir Singh have also registered for the tournament, adding to the excitement.
The international roster is equally star-studded, with players like Arthur van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, Gonzalo Peillat, Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman, Dayaan Cassiem, Tom Wickham, Jean Paul Danneberg, Pirmin Blaak, Jorrit Croon, and Mats Grambusch all set to be part of the auction.
The auction will kick off at 2:30 pm and will be live-streamed on the newly launched Hockey India YouTube channel and DD Sports TV.