NEW DELHI: The second day of the Hockey India League Player Auction 2024/25 saw strategic bidding from all eight franchises in the first half, with a particular focus on securing overseas talent. The highlight of the auction so far was Belgium’s Victor Wegnez, who was acquired by Soorma Hockey Club for ₹40 lakh.
In a remarkable steal, Kalinga Lancers secured another top Belgian player, Alexander Hendrickx, for just ₹23 lakh, marking one of the best deals of the auction. Known as one of Belgium’s finest, Hendrickx’s low price has been dubbed the “Steal of the Day.”
Other key overseas signings included the Dutch duo Thierry Brinkman (₹38 lakh) and Arthur Van Doren (₹32 lakh), both joining Kalinga Lancers. Argentina’s Tomas Domene was picked up by Delhi SG Pipers for ₹36 lakh, while Australia’s Aran Zalewski (₹27 lakh to Kalinga Lancers) and Blake Govers (₹27 lakh to Tamil Nadu Dragons) were also significant purchases.
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Among Indian players, Moriangthem Rabichandra (₹32 lakh to Kalinga Lancers) and Mohd. Raheel Mouseen (₹25 lakh to Tamil Nadu Dragons) topped the domestic signings.
Top Five Buys in the First Half of Day 2:
1. Victor Wegnez (BEL) – Soorma Hockey Club – ₹40 lakh
2. Thierry Brinkman (NED) – Kalinga Lancers – ₹38 lakh
3. Tomas Domene (ARG) – Delhi SG Pipers – ₹36 lakh
4. Moriangthem Rabichandra (IND) – Kalinga Lancers – ₹32 lakh
5. Arthur Van Doren (BEL) – Kalinga Lancers – ₹32 lakh
Steal of the Day:
Alexander Hendrickx (BEL) – Kalinga Lancers – ₹23 lakh
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Remaining Purse for Each Franchise:
1. Delhi SG Pipers – ₹56.50 lakh
2. Team Gonasika – ₹59.20 lakh
3. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers – ₹66 lakh
4. Tamil Nadu Dragons – ₹68 lakh
5. Kalinga Lancers – ₹79 lakh
6. Hyderabad Toofans – ₹83 lakh
7. Soorma Hockey Club – ₹97 lakh
8. UP Rudras – ₹114 lakh