HIL 2024-25: Franchises assemble strong squads ahead of inaugural women's competition

New Delhi [India], October 15 (ANI): The Hockey India League (HIL) Player Auction 2024/25 for the women's competition was successfully conducted in New Delhi on 15th October 2024. All four franchises have assembled strong squads for the inaugural season, scheduled to take place in Ranchi later this year.
Udita, acquired by the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for Rs32 lakh, emerged as the most expensive buy, while Dutch star Yibbi Jansen became the costliest overseas player, bought for Rs29 lakh by Odisha Warriors.
Promising young Indian players Lalremsiami (Rs25 lakh to Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers), Sunelita Toppo (Rs24 lakh to Delhi SG Pipers), and Sangita Kumari (Rs22 lakh to Delhi SG Pipers) attracted significant attention from the franchises.
Among the core group of the current Indian Women's Hockey team, Salima Tete (Rs20 lakh) and Savita (Rs20 lakh) were bought by Soorma Hockey Club, while Delhi SG Pipers acquired Navneet Kaur for Rs19 lakh.
Meanwhile, several overseas players, including Belgium's Charlotte Englebert (Rs16 lakh to Soorma Hockey Club), Germany's Charlotte Stapenhorst (Rs16 lakh to Soorma Hockey Club), and Australia's Jocelyn Bartram (Rs15 lakh to Odisha Warriors), were notable purchases.
Following a request from unsold players of the Indian Senior Women's and Junior Women's teams to reduce their base price to Rs2 lakh, several players, such as Madhuri Kindo (Rs3.40 lakh to Odisha Warriors), Jyoti Chhatri (Rs5 lakh to Odisha Warriors), Deepika Soreng (Rs2.20 lakh to Soorma Hockey Club), and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (Rs4.90 lakh to Odisha Warriors), secured their places in the inaugural edition of the Women's HIL.
Top five buys:
1. Udita - Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers - Rs32.00 lakh
2. Yibbi Jansen (NED) - Odisha Warriors - Rs29.00 lakh
3. Lalremsiami - Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers - Rs25.00 lakh
4. Sunelita Toppo - Delhi SG Pipers - Rs24.00 lakh
5. Sangita Kumari - Delhi SG Pipers - Rs22.00 lakh. (ANI)