Five Most Expensive Acquisitions in HIL 2024-25 Ft. Harmanpreet Singh and Gonzalo Peillat

As the highly anticipated Hockey India League (HIL) season approaches, a bucket full of exceptional players are set to grace the national stage, ready to showcase their extraordinary skills and breathtaking talent. Let’s delve into the top five most prestigious acquisitions from the HIL auction.

First up is Harmanpreet Singh, a dynamic captain and adept defender for the Indian national team. Celebrated as one of the globe’s finest drag flickers, he showcased his incredible prowess during the Paris Olympics, where he netted ten impressive goals and played a pivotal role in securing the team's glorious bronze medal. At just 28 years old, he emerged as the most expensive player in the recent auction, with Punjab's Soorma Hockey Club acquiring him for a staggering Rs 78 lakh.

Next, we have the promising forward Abhishek Nain, hailing from Sonipat, who has made a remarkable impact since his international debut in February 2022. During the Paris Olympics, he scored crucial goals against powerhouse teams Belgium and Australia, significantly contributing to the team’s success. The 25-year-old will proudly represent the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in HIL 2024-25 after being purchased for an astounding Rs 72 lakh.

Another standout is Hardik Singh, a talented player trained by the legendary former drag-flicker Jugraj Singh. He burst onto the senior scene in 2018 at the Asian Champions Trophy, helping India clinch a glorious gold medal. He will don the vibrant jersey of UP Rudras, who secured his services for an impressive Rs 70 lakh.

The illustrious Gonzalo Peillat, a pivotal figure in Argentina’s stunning 2016 Olympic triumph and Germany's hero from the FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 will dazzle fans as he plays for the Hyderabad Toofans in the HIL 2024-25. He has made headlines as the most expensive foreign player, commanding a remarkable Rs 68 lakh.

Last but certainly not least, we have Jip Janssen, a gifted 26-year-old defender from the Netherlands who played an instrumental role in his team's glorious gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics, finishing as the team's top scorer with five spectacular goals. He will join the Tamil Nadu Dragons, having been acquired for a striking Rs 54 lakh.