Bhubaneswar: Odisha hockey star Amit Rohidas was picked up for Rs 48 lakh during Hockey India League (HIL) men’s auction for the 2024-25 season on Sunday.
A crucial member for the Indian backline, defender Amit will play for Chennai-based franchise Tamil Nadu Dragons. He was part of the Paris & Tokyo Olympics bronze medal-winning Indian squad and also gold medal-winning team at the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games.
All eight franchises spent heavily to acquire Indian men’s team core players with star drag-flicker and India captain Harmanpreet Singh emerging as the costliest buy at Rs 78 lakh in the first half. He will play for Soorma Hockey Club, owned by JSW Sports. Abhishek was the second-most expensive buy. He was acquired by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for Rs 72 lakh while Hardik Singh went to UP Rudras for Rs 70 lakh.
Other notable buys from the first lot included Jugraj Singh (for Rs 48 lakh to Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers), and Sumit (for Rs 46 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans).
Here are the top buys of the first session
Harmanpreet Singh – 78 Lakh – Soorma Hockey Club
Abhishek – 72 Lakh – Rahr Bengal Tigers
Hardik Singh – 70 Lakh – Up Rudras
Amit Rohidas – 48 Lakh – Tamil Nadu Dragons
Jugraj Singh – 48 Lakh – Rahr Bengal Tigers
The HIL is returning after a seven year hiatus with an expanded format, featuring eight men’s and six women’s teams.