HIL Auction Day 2: Victor Wegnez Becomes Most Expensive Overseas Player, Moriangthem Rabichandra Top Indian Buy

New Delhi, India – October 14, 2024: The second day of the Hockey India League (HIL) players’ auction saw an exciting turn as Belgium’s star midfielder, Victor Wegnez, emerged as the most expensive player of the day, bagging a price tag of ₹40 lakh from Soorma Hockey Club. The high-stakes bidding, which focused largely on international talents, showcased the global appeal of the HIL and set the stage for intense competition in the upcoming season.

Key Highlights from Day 2 Auction

Victor Wegnez Leads the Pack
Wegnez, a key player in Belgium’s Tokyo Olympics gold-medal-winning team, was the standout performer of the day. The Soorma Hockey Club, owned by JSW Sports, secured his services at ₹40 lakh, making him the most expensive player of Day 2. Wegnez’s all-around skills and experience at the highest level made him a prized asset, drawing heavy interest from multiple franchises.

Dutch Stars in High Demand
Two of the Netherlands’ finest players also garnered significant bids. Dutch captain Thierry Brinkman was the second-highest purchase, going for ₹38 lakh to Kalinga Lancers. Brinkman, known for his leadership and offensive prowess, is expected to add a cutting edge to the Lancers’ attack. Belgian defender Arthur Van Doren, another marquee name, was also snapped up by the Lancers for ₹32 lakh, adding further strength to their defensive line-up.

Indian Talent Shines
India’s rising star Moriangthem Rabichandra stole the spotlight as the most expensive Indian player of the day, fetching ₹32 lakh from Kalinga Lancers. The talented midfielder’s rapid rise in Indian hockey has made him one of the most sought-after players in the league. His versatility and playmaking ability will be a crucial asset for the Lancers.

Other Indian talents also made their mark, with young prospects like Angad Bir Singh and Rajinder Singh making waves despite starting with modest base prices. Angad was picked up by Kalinga Lancers for ₹26 lakh, while Rajinder went to Hyderabad Toofans for ₹23 lakh, both of them commanding more than 10 times their base price of ₹2 lakh.

Other Notable Overseas Buys

Several other top international players found new homes on Day 2 of the auction. Argentina’s forward Tomas Domene was acquired by Delhi SG Pipers for ₹36 lakh, while Australia’s experienced Aran Zalewski went to Kalinga Lancers for ₹27 lakh. The Tamil Nadu Dragons secured Australian forward Blake Govers for the same amount.

Despite a day filled with high-profile signings, some big names went unsold. Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter and English drag-flicker Sam Ward, both highly rated, were notable omissions from the draft, surprising many hockey enthusiasts.

Day 1 Recap: Heavy Spending on Indian Stars

The auction kicked off with franchises investing heavily in Indian hockey’s core players on Day 1. Harmanpreet Singh, one of India’s premier defenders, was the most expensive player of the entire auction, acquired by Soorma Hockey Club for ₹78 lakh. The dynamic forward Abhishek was the second-most expensive, going to Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for ₹72 lakh, while midfielder Hardik Singh joined UP Rudras for ₹70 lakh.

The Path Ahead

With Day 2 of the auction concluding on a high note, teams are nearly complete, with only a few slots left to fill. The focus on overseas talent on Day 2, combined with the strong Indian core acquired on Day 1, sets up an exciting season for the Hockey India League. Fans can expect a thrilling mix of international and domestic talent to light up the field in 2024-25.

As the women’s league auction approaches, the excitement is only set to grow. Four teams will bid for some of the top talents in women’s hockey, adding another layer to the rapidly growing Hockey India League.

Image credit: www.thehockeypaper.com

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