HIL 2024-25 Auction: Franchises build strong squads for inaugural women’s season

The 2024-25 HIL Women’s Player Auction concluded in New Delhi, with strong squads set for the season in Ranchi.

| Updated: 16 October, 2024 1:15 pm IST

HIL 2024 Player Auction for the inaugural women's competition concluded successfully in New Delhi on October 15.

NEW DELHI: The 2024-25 Hockey India League (HIL) Player Auction for the inaugural women’s competition concluded successfully in New Delhi on October 15. All four franchises have built strong squads for the much-anticipated season, which will be held in Ranchi later this year.

The highlight of the auction was Indian defender Udita, who became the most expensive player, being snapped up by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for a whopping ₹32 lakh. Dutch star Yibbi Jansen became the priciest overseas player, joining Odisha Warriors for ₹29 lakh.

Several young Indian talents made a significant impact at the auction. Lalremsiami was picked by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for ₹25 lakh, while Sunelita Toppo (₹24 lakh) and Sangita Kumari (₹22 lakh) were both acquired by Delhi SG Pipers.

Among India’s current national team core, Salima Tete and Savita were both bought by Soorma Hockey Club for ₹20 lakh each, while Navneet Kaur was secured by Delhi SG Pipers for ₹19 lakh.

Overseas players also commanded attention, with Belgium’s Charlotte Englebert and Germany’s Charlotte Stapenhorst joining Soorma Hockey Club for ₹16 lakh each. Australia’s Jocelyn Bartram was picked up by Odisha Warriors for ₹15 lakh.

Additionally, after a request to lower the base price for unsold players from the Indian Senior and Junior Women’s teams to ₹2 lakh was approved, several players secured spots in the tournament. Madhuri Kindo was picked up by Odisha Warriors for ₹3.40 lakh, Jyoti Chhatri for ₹5 lakh, and Deepika Soreng for ₹2.20 lakh, while Rutuja Dadaso Pisal was signed for ₹4.90 lakh.