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The historic Hockey India League 2024 (HIL) women's auction on Tuesday (October 15) saw some of the biggest players go under the hammer. The event holds great significance as it is the first time that the HIL will see a women's league run simultaneously with the men's.
The day proved to be a huge occasion for several top Indian and foreign players. More so, it was a huge platform for numerous talented upcoming players who were sold to the four participating teams. Several of these players went for significant amounts that shall surely delight many.
There were players who stirred a bidding war in the auction room. The teams had to ensure that they used up all of their brainpower to buy such players. Here are the top 5 most costly buys of the HIL women's player auction.
Top 5 most expensive buys at HIL 2024-25 women’s player auction
#5. Sangita Kumari (Delhi SG Pipers - Rs 22 lakh)
Sangita Kumari was one of the most in-demand players at the HIL women's player auction. Kumari stirred a bidding war, with all four teams attempting to buy her. However, in the end, it was the Delhi SG Pipers who acquired her services for Rs 22 lakh.
Kumari has emerged as one of the most crucial members of the Indian team in the recent past. In 57 appearances, the 22-year-old has scored 24 goals for India. It was expected that she would be a target for most teams, given her immense potential.
#4. Sunelita Toppo (Delhi SG Pipers - Rs 24 lakh)
Sunelita Toppo might be just 17 but she has already proved herself as a talented young player. Delhi SG Pipers did extremely well to get this upcoming sensation in their team.
Sunelita stirred an intense bidding war between the Soorma Hockey Club and Bengal Tigers. However, it was the Pipers who eventually brought her over to their side for Rs 24 lakh.
Sunelita gained prominance after a great showing at the 2022 National Games. She made her senior team debut in 2024. Toppo has already established herself as a potent forward option for the Indian team and would want to do the same for Delhi.
#3. Lalremsiami (Bengal Tigers - Rs 25 lakh)
The third-most expensive player sold at the HIL player auction was India's Lalremsiami. Bengal Tigers went all out to grab the Indian player for Rs 25 lakh.
The 24-year-old is already a veteran with 139 games to her name in which she has scored 37 goals. She was also the 2019 FIH Rising Star of the Year, making her a great prospect for any team.
Given her rich experience and lengthy playing career, Bengal will be glad to have Lalremsiami take the field for them. Her maturity and game sense have helped her succeed so far and she would continue to do the same at the HIL.
#2. Yibbi Jansen (Odisha Warriors - Rs 29 lakh)
Netherland's Yibbi Jansen is the lone foreign player on this list. Such is her pedigree that the Odisha Warriors were willing to shell out Rs 29 lakh for her. The Dutch player has been a force to reckon with for her national team and the Warriors would be overjoyed to have her play for them.
Yibbi was the leading goal-scorer at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. Her sensational run helped the Netherlands clinch the coveted gold. In an international career spanning over 74 matches, Yibbi has scored 62 goals.
Every team would love to have a player of such pedigree and Jansen's addition to the HIL is great news for the fans.
#1. Udita Duhan (Shrachi Rahr Bengal Tigers - Rs 32 lakh)
India's star defender Udita Duhan takes the top spot on this list. Udita stirred a huge bidding war among all the teams present. In the end, it was the Bengal Tigers who snatched her for Rs 32 lakh.
The 26-year-old has proved to be one of India's strongest players over the past few years. Udita was also a crucial part of India's bronze medal-winning team at both the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2022 Asian Games. The pace with which Duhan defends is her hallmark.
Her interceptions are usually on point and she has also been a go-to penalty corner taker in the recent times. The Tigers would be hoping that she brings her A-game to the HIL.
