The Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 mini auction concluded in New Delhi on Wednesday, with franchises eagerly acquiring both international stars and promising Indian junior players. The auction saw intense bidding wars among the eight men's teams and four women's teams, all vying to complete their 20-member squads.
Australian midfielder Liam Henderson emerged as the most expensive player in the men's auction, with Vedanta Kalinga Lancers securing his services for a significant ₹42 lakh. Henderson's acquisition marks a major coup for the Lancers, adding a world-class talent to their roster.
Among the Indian players, 18-year-old Vivek Lakra was the costliest junior pick, with Bengal Tigers snagging the talented goalkeeper for ₹24 lakh. Lakra's impressive rise saw his price skyrocket from a base of ₹2 lakh, highlighting the value placed on young Indian talent. Another inspiring story was that of 14-year-old Ketan Kushwaha, who became the youngest signing of the auction after being bought by Bengal Tigers for ₹2.5 lakhs.
Other notable international signings in the men's auction included Dutch defender Sander de Wijn, who joined Tamil Nadu Dragons for ₹36 lakh, and German forward Thies Prinz, who was acquired by the HIL Governing Council for the same amount. The HIL Governing Council is temporarily managing the UP Rudras franchise.
Several other Indian players also fetched impressive prices, including Adrohit Ekka (₹11 lakh, Tamil Nadu Dragons) and Ajeet Yadav (₹8 lakh, HIL Governing Council). Veteran drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh moved to SG Pipers for ₹12 lakh.
In the women's auction, Argentine defender Agustina Gorzelany emerged as the most expensive player overall, signed by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for ₹42 lakh. Fellow Argentine forward María José Granatto went to JSW Soorma Hockey Club for ₹34 lakh, while defender Valentina Raposo Ruiz de los Llanos joined the Bengal Tigers for ₹30 lakh. Midfielder Monika, acquired by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, emerged as the most sought-after Indian women's hockey player.
The HIL 2026 season will commence on January 5, with both the men's and women's competitions running simultaneously. The league has been revived after a seven-year gap and the window is exclusively reserved for the HIL by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), ensuring the availability of top foreign players.
Ranchi Royals was unveiled as the league's newest franchise, replacing Team Gonasika (men's) and Odisha Warriors (women's). Each franchise built a squad consisting of at least 13 Indian hockey players (with a mandatory inclusion of three junior players) and a maximum of seven international stars.
