HIL Mini Auction LIVE Updates: In the HIL Mini Auction 2026, some big names have already attracted attention with heavy bids. Dutch defender Sander de Wijn emerged as the top buy so far, going to Tamil
Nadu Dragons for ₹36 lakhs. He was closely followed by Germany's Thies Prinz, who was picked up by Hockey India for the same amount.
Australia's Cooper Burns also fetched a high price, as Vedanta Kalinga Lancers secured him for ₹34.5 lakhs. From the Indian pool, the biggest purchase so far has been Adrohit Ekka. Tamil Nadu signed him for ₹11 lakhs after a competitive bidding battle, making him the top Indian buy of the day so far.
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More than 100 male and over 100 female players will go under the hammer, with franchises working within a salary cap of INR 4 Crores for men and INR 2 Crores for women. Each team must assemble a 20-member squad (2 goalkeepers and 18 outfield players), while rules allow up to 7 overseas signings and mandate at least 3 Indian juniors, ensuring balance and opportunities for emerging talent.
Players will be listed under three base price categories - INR 2 Lakhs, INR 5 Lakhs, and INR 10 Lakhs, with INR 2 Lakhs as the minimum bid bracket for both Indian and foreign athletes. Importantly, teams can only participate in bidding if they have the budget and vacant slots, and they must keep their purse aligned with the squad requirements.
The auctions, seen as a crucial step in shaping squads for HIL 2026, are already generating buzz. With strategic planning underway in every camp, fans can expect intense bidding wars for top talent. The event begins at 10:30 AM, with the men's auction first, followed by the women's auction.
Reacting to the auction, President Dilip Tirkey said that organizing a league like the HIL takes a lot of hard work and planning. Hockey has a strong history in India, and the league helps more players get opportunities and makes the sport more inclusive. It also raises the profile of hockey. The league gives companies a chance to get involved and support players. He thanked the franchise partners for their support. The mini auction is an important step for the second edition of the league. He wished all the teams and players good luck.
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