Inaugural Women's Hockey India League: A Grand Auction

The inaugural women's Hockey India League (HIL) auctions feature over 350 players vying for spots. With local and international participants, the event highlights the growth of women's hockey. Teams will have a budget of Rs 2 crore to select players in three price categories, marking a historic moment for Indian hockey.

In a highly anticipated move, the women's Hockey India League (HIL) is launching with its first-ever player auctions this Tuesday, featuring over 350 athletes from around the globe. This inaugural event marks a significant milestone with over 250 domestic and more than 70 international players contending for a spot in the league.

Renowned Indian players such as Savita, Salima Tete, and Vandana Katariya are among the big domestic names, while international stars like Delfina Merino from Argentina and Rachael Lynch from Australia are set to perform. Initially, the women's league will have four teams, with plans to expand by adding two more teams in the next season.

The league format includes 24-player squads with a blend of local and overseas talent, supported by the league's vision of nurturing both domestic and global players. The HIL president expressed pride in this dual-gender league, which is a rare occurrence in India's sports scene, underscoring the league's commitment to elevating women's hockey.

(With inputs from agencies.)