Hockey India League Auction: Franchises assemble strong squads ahead of inaugural women's edition

The Hockey India League Player Auction 2024/25 for the women's competition was successfully conducted in New Delhi on 15th October 2024. All four franchises assembled strong squads for the inaugural season, scheduled to take place in Ranchi later this year.

Udita, acquired by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for 32 lakh, emerged as the most expensive buy, while the Dutch star Yibbi Jansen was the costliest overseas player, bought for 29 lakh by Odisha Warriors.

Promising young Indian players Lalremsiami (for 25 lakh to Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers), Sunelita Toppo (for 24 lakh to Delhi SG Pipers), and Sangita Kumari (for 22 lakh to Delhi SG Pipers) attracted significant attention from the franchises.

Among the current Indian Women's Hockey core group, Salima Tete (20 lakh) and Savita (20 lakh) were bought by Soorma Hockey Club, while Delhi SG Pipers acquired Navneet Kaur for 19 lakh.  

Meanwhile, several overseas players, including Belgium's Charlotte Englebert (for 16 lakh to Soorma Hockey Club), Germany's Charlotte Stapenhorst (for 16 lakh to Soorma Hockey Club), and Australia's Jocelyn Bartram (for 15 lakh to Odisha Warriors) were the notable buys.

After approving a request from unsold players of the Indian Senior Women's and Junior Women's teams to reduce their base price to 2 lakh, players such as Madhuri Kindo (for 3.40 lakh to Odisha Warriors), Jyoti Chhatri (for 5 lakh to Odisha Warriors), Deepika Soreng (for 2.20 lakh to Soorma Hockey Club), and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (for 4.90 lakh to Odisha Warriors), among others, secured their place in the inaugural edition of the Women's HIL.

List of top five buys

Udita - Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers - 32.00 lakh
Yibbi Jansen (NED) - Odisha Warriors - 29.00 lakh
Lalremsiami - Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers - 25.00
Sunelita Toppo - Delhi SG Pipers 24.00 lakh
Sangita Kumari - Delhi SG Pipers - 22.00 lakh