The Hockey India League (HIL) players’ auction witnessed a flurry of activity on Day 2, with overseas stars dominating the proceedings. Belgium’s Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Victor Wegnez emerged as the costliest buy, fetching a whopping ₹40 lakh from Soorma Hockey Club.
Kalinga Lancers made a significant investment in foreign talent, acquiring Paris Olympics gold medal-winning captain Thierry Brinkman for ₹38 lakh and Belgian legend Arthur van Doren for ₹32 lakh. Argentine forward Tomas Domene joined Delhi SG Pipers for ₹36 lakh.
Among Indian players, rising midfielder M Rabichandra Singh commanded the highest price of ₹32 lakh, going to Kalinga Lancers. Arthur de Sloover of Belgium (₹30 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans) and Australian Timothy Daniel (₹28 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans) were also among the top buys.
However, some notable names failed to attract bids, including Tokyo Olympics silver medalist goalkeeper Andrew Charter of Australia, English drag-flickers Sam Ward and Nick Bandurak, and German World Cup winner Mats Grambusch.
Meanwhile, the first-ever women’s HIL will feature only four teams instead of the planned six. Soorma Hockey Club, Bengal Tigers, Delhi SG Pipers, and Odisha Warriors will compete for the 96 available slots. The auction for women’s players is scheduled for Tuesday, with a purse of ₹2 crore per franchise.
Top Indian women’s players like Savita, Salima Tete, Deepika, Vandana Katariya, and Lalremsiami will be up for grabs, along with international stars such as Delfina Merino, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Maria Granatto, Rachael Lynch, and Nike Lorenz.
