A landmark moment for women’s hockey is on the horizon, as more than 350 players from across the globe will be up for selection in the first-ever Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) auction, taking place in New Delhi on Tuesday. After a seven-year hiatus, the highly anticipated HIL is returning with a revamped format, featuring both men’s and a dedicated women’s league for the first time in its history.
This groundbreaking auction will see over 250 domestic players and more than 70 international stars competing for a place in the inaugural season of the women’s HIL.
Several top Indian players are set to be the highlights of the auction, including veteran goalkeeper Savita, Indian national team captain Salima Tete, emerging drag-flicker Deepika, the country’s most-capped player Vandana Katariya, and forward Lalremsiami. Adding further prestige, retired Indian greats like Yogita Bali, Lilima Minz, and Namita Toppo have also registered for the auction, intensifying the excitement.
On the global stage, well-known international stars such as Argentina’s Delfina Merino and Maria Granatto, Germany’s Charlotte Stapenhorst and Nike Lorenz, and Australia’s Rachael Lynch will also be part of the event, contributing to the global appeal of the tournament.
The debut season of the Women’s HIL will feature four teams: Soorma Hockey Club, Shrachi Rahr Bengal Tigers, Delhi SG Pipers, and Odisha Warriors. In the league’s second season, two more franchises—Hyderabad Toofans and a team owned by the BC Jindal Group—will join, expanding the competition to six teams.
Each franchise will field a squad of 24 players, consisting of 16 Indian players, including four mandatory junior players, and eight overseas players. This structure supports HIL’s mission to foster both homegrown and international talent. Each team will have a budget of Rs 2 crore to build their squad, with players divided into three base price categories: Rs 10 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 2 lakh.
The auction signals a pivotal moment in the evolution of women’s hockey, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity and the increasing visibility of women athletes in India. It is also notable for being one of the few occasions where a major sports league in India will feature both men’s and women’s editions running concurrently.
“This is more than just the revival of the Hockey India League—it’s a celebration of the progress of women’s hockey in India,” said Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey. “We’re thrilled to host the first-ever women’s auction, where teams aren’t just being built, but legacies as well. The Women’s HIL 2024-25 promises to be a defining moment for Indian hockey, inspiring the next generation and helping the sport grow on both domestic and international fronts.”
The women’s HIL is set to be a transformative event, further establishing India as a hub for hockey while also fostering the rise of new stars in the sport.
