The highly anticipated return of the Hockey India League (HIL) in 2024 is drawing near, with the player auctions already underway. On the first day of the auction, Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh emerged as the highest-paid player, highlighting the excitement surrounding the league.
PR Sreejesh Enthusiastic About HIL’s Return
Legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh expressed his excitement for the upcoming league, calling it a great platform for junior players aiming to secure a spot in the national senior team. Sreejesh, speaking on the second day of the auction for the eight men’s franchises, shared his perspective from his new role as director and assistant coach of the Delhi SG Pipers team.
He emphasized the importance of the league as a chance for players to showcase their talent, noting that the larger auction slots had already been filled, leaving opportunities for junior and domestic players.
Preparing for the World Cup
Sreejesh highlighted how the teams are keen on selecting junior players in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. He explained that the league offers an ideal platform for these players, as it allows coaches and selectors to assess their performance under pressure, both on and off the field. His focus, in his current role, is to observe how these young players manage pressure and their overall behavior on and off the field.
Success of the Auction Process
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey also lauded the auction process, describing the first day as “excellent.” He pointed out that Harmanpreet Singh fetched an impressive ₹78 lakh and that there was significant competition for several players. Tirkey expressed excitement over the strong bids received by many junior players, including under-21 talents, underscoring how well the Indian hockey system is developing.
Indian Players on Par with Foreign Talent
Sardar Singh, now the coach of the Surma Hockey Club men’s team, highlighted the importance of having skilled Indian players, as they would outnumber foreign players on the field. He emphasized that, over the past seven to eight years, the skill level of Indian players has reached par with that of foreign players. Singh’s focus is on giving more opportunities to younger players and ensuring his team remains balanced.
Overall, the return of the Hockey India League is being viewed as a vital opportunity for young Indian players to prove their worth ahead of major international tournaments, including the World Cup.
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