Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s hockey ace Amit Rohidas was snapped up for Rs 48 lakh during the Hockey India League (HIL) men’s auction for the 2024-25 season, held on Sunday. Rohidas, a key defender for the Indian national team, will play for the Chennai-based franchise, Tamil Nadu Dragons.
A vital member of India’s backline, Amit Rohidas has been part of several historic victories, including the bronze medal-winning campaigns at the Paris and Tokyo Olympics, and the gold medal-winning performances at the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games.
All eight franchises invested heavily in Indian core players, with India’s captain and star drag-flicker, Harmanpreet Singh, emerging as the most expensive buy at Rs 78 lakh. He will play for Soorma Hockey Club, owned by JSW Sports. Abhishek was the second-highest purchase at Rs 72 lakh by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, while Hardik Singh was acquired by UP Rudras for Rs 70 lakh.
Other notable acquisitions included Jugraj Singh, picked for Rs 48 lakh by Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Sumit, who went to Hyderabad Toofans for Rs 46 lakh.
Here are the top buys from the first session of the HIL auction:
- Harmanpreet Singh – Rs 78 lakh – Soorma Hockey Club
- Abhishek – Rs 72 lakh – Rarh Bengal Tigers
- Hardik Singh – Rs 70 lakh – UP Rudras
- Amit Rohidas – Rs 48 lakh – Tamil Nadu Dragons
- Jugraj Singh – Rs 48 lakh – Rarh Bengal Tigers
The Hockey India League is making its much-anticipated return after a seven-year hiatus, with an expanded format that now includes eight men’s teams and six women’s teams.