Women's Hockey India League Auction: Top 10 most expensive players

Indian defender Udita emerged as the most expensive player in the auction.

Hockey India League (HIL) made history by holding the first-ever women’s player auction in the tournament history. The HIL, which is making a return after a gap of seven years with a revamped version will also have a women’s tournament for the first time. It will provide ample opportunities to both international and domestic female players to show off their talent.

The Women’s Hockey India League will begin with four teams namely Soorma Hockey Club (Punjab and Haryana), Shrachi Rahr Bengal Tigers (West Bengal), Delhi SG Pipers (New Delhi), and Odisha Warriors (Rourkela). It was supposed to begin as a six-team event, but the two additional teams owned by Resolute Sports and BC Jindal Group will join the league from the second edition.

The inaugural auction for the Women’s Hockey India League included more than 250 home players and 70 international players, with a purse of Rs. 2 crores for each team. All franchises are allowed a full-strength contingent of 24 players – 16 Indians, which must include at least four juniors or U21 players, and 8 foreigners.

The auction created a lot of hype as teams bid for the top Indian internationals and overseas stars. It gave opportunity to the players to prove themselves, and to the teams to assemble a proper balanced squad. Doing so, it expressed the growing interest and investment in women’s hockey sport in India—an element that could create a potential ripple effect to encourage young lads to take up this sport professionally.

Here are the top 10 most expensive players from the Women’s Hockey India League auction:

10: Navneet Kaur – Rs 19 Lakhs (Delhi SG Pipers)

Delhi SG Pipers signed Navneet Kaur—an experienced forward for India. Known for her attacking skills and scoring prowess, this robust forward strengthens Delhi’s offense. The international experience and ability to create scoring opportunities makes her a valuable to the team.

9: Salima Tete – Rs 20 Lakhs (Soorma Hockey Club)

Indian women’s hockey captain, Salima Tete, an Indian forward, had her services snapped up by Soorma Hockey Club for Rs. 20 lakhs. Light-footed and dynamic in midfield, Tete has pace as well as agility in her game. Leadership and experience at the highest levels were important factors for Soorma Hockey Club’s first year.

8: Savita Punia – Rs 20 Lakhs (Soorma Hockey Club)

Former India captain and star goalkeeper Savita Punia has joined Soorma Hockey Club, too. Punia’s quick reflexes and overall defensive skills put her among the very best goalkeepers in the world. Soorma Hockey Club will get a strong last line of defence with her.

7: Deepika – Rs 20 Lakhs (Delhi SG Pipers)

Delhi SG Pipers picked Deepika for Rs. 20 lakhs. Goalscorer and creator of opportunities, Deepika will be a crucial player for Delhi in attacking positions. She is agile and quick on her feet, and always poses a threat to any opposition defence.

Also Read: Top five most expensive Indian players at Women’s Hockey India League Auction

6: Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke – Rs 21 Lakhs (Soorma Hockey Club)

Young midfielder Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke is heading to Soorma Hockey Club. She has the whole hockey fraternity in such awe with her calibre and tournaments all around. Selectors do look for such talent. Her energy and skill in midfield could be very difficult to handle for Soorma Hockey Club in games and might just prove an answer to dominating the game.

5: Sangita Kumari – Rs 22 Lakhs (Delhi SG Pipers)

Delhi SG Pipers drafted forward Sangita Kumari. Kumari is fast, and she can dribble well to be dangerous in any attack. She will be very handy during the final dying moments of goalscoring for Delhi SG Pipers in their inaugural campaign.

4: Sunelita Toppo – Rs 24 Lakhs (Delhi SG Pipers)

Young forward Sunelita Toppo has been signed up by Delhi SG Pipers. Toppo is a performer at junior tournaments and has been creating a place for herself. She has agility and goal-scoring ability that make her exciting for Delhi SG Pipers.

3: Lalremsiami – Rs 25 Lakhs (Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers)

Lalremsiami, a forward from India, was drafted by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. Possibly the speediest forward in the league, Lalremsiami can score goals crucial at the right moments. She will be a valuable asset to Bengal Tigers’ attack line and will draw heavily from her international experience.

Also Read: Full updated squad of all teams in Women’s Hockey India League

2: Yibbi Jansen – Rs 29 Lakhs (Odisha Warriors)

Yibbi Jansen, the Dutch star drag-flicker, was the second most expensive player in the auction after she was sold to Odisha Warriors. She precisely scores from penalty corners and strikes on set-pieces, which makes her a desire for any team. Her international experience will be vital for the campaign of Odisha Warriors.

1: Udita – Rs 32 Lakhs (Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers)

Indian defender Udita emerged as the most expensive player in the Women’s Hockey India League auction. With solidity at the back and an option to contribute more in attack, Udita stands as an all-around player and with her impressive CV in recent performances for India, player can offer immensely to Bengal.

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