HIL Auction: Manpreet Singh joins Team Gonasika for Rs 42 lakh

Mandeep Singh has also joined the team that has replaced the Ranchi-based franchise.

After a thrilling bidding war at the Hockey India League player auction, India’s Tokyo Olympics bronze medal-winning captain Manpreet Singh has been roped in by Team Gonasika for Rs 42 lakh. The 32-year-old, a two-time Olympic medalist, was sought by two other franchises, Hyderabad Toofans and Rarh Bengal Tigers before the team replacing the Ranchi-based franchise outbid everyone.

Also Read: Hockey India League Player Auction Day 1 Live

Manpreet Singh has represented the Indian men’s hockey team more than 350 times in international hockey and has been, as aforementioned, a part of the two-time bronze medal-winning team at the Summer Games. He brings experience, leadership and tactical brilliance to the team. He will be an invaluable addition, forming the core of Team Gonasika in the first season of the revamped Hockey India League.

MAN- jeet liya! Team Gonasika after getting two of the most experienced players from our Bronze Medal Winning team.Mandeep Singh & Manpreet Singh both join Team Gonasika. #HILPlayerAuction #HILMensAuction #Day1#ExperiencedDuos pic.twitter.com/SRn0PYp7OD

— Hockey India League (@HockeyIndiaLeag) October 13, 2024

The experienced star has played as a midfielder all his career but can also play in the defence when required. While not his preferred choice of duty, the veteran can also act as a first rusher when needed. The 32-year-old former captain had taken over the defensive and the first-rushing duties from Amit Rohidas after the latter was sent off in the quarter-final against Great Britain at Paris Olympics 2024.

Idolising the former Indian captains Pargat Singh and Sardar Singh, the Indian midfielder hails from the village of the former and has the play style of the latter. Manpreet Singh is even today one of the best midfielders in world hockey and will be the key to team Gonasika’s success in the upcoming season.

Along with Manpreet Singh, Team Gonasika have also successfully acquired the midfielder’s teammate Mandeep Singh, who has joined the franchise for Rs 25 lakh. Mandeep is a high-intense pressing forward known for his technical skills, vision and versatility. His link-up play along with Manpreet Singh will be pivotal in the team’s big chances creations from open play. Mandeep Singh is also known for his 3D skills, a trait he has mastered to be effective inside the penalty area.

The Hockey India League (HIL) auction will be a three-day affair, with the first two days reserved for the men’s league and the last day will focus on the women’s tournament. The men’s league has eight teams while the women’s tournament will feature six teams, four of which have already been announced. Over 70 women’s and 150 men’s international stars have registered for the auction.

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