The Hero HIL 2026 Hockey India League Women’s Mini Auction brought a mix of high drama, strategic buys, and landmark signings as four franchises went head-to-head to assemble their squads.
With a salary cap of ₹2 crore per franchise, the afternoon session was defined by bold spending on overseas stalwarts and renewed faith in India’s growing pool of talent. Over 100 players were in the auction pool, and by the end of the day, Argentina’s Agustina Gorzelany emerged as the most expensive signing at ₹42 lakh, while Indian midfielder Monika became the costliest Indian player, selling for ₹15 lakh. Both deals underlined the dual priorities of the franchises: securing international pedigree while strengthening domestic depth.
The bidding wars confirmed once again that top overseas players remain central to HIL’s spectacle.
Agustina Gorzelany (Argentina, defender): The day’s headline-grabber, Gorzelany was pursued aggressively by multiple franchises before Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers sealed the deal for ₹42 lakh, making her the most expensive player in the women’s auction. Her defensive leadership and drag-flicking ability add immense value to Bengal’s backline.
María José Granatto (Argentina, forward): One of the most skillful attackers in world hockey, Granatto fetched ₹34 lakh after JSW Soorma Hockey Club triumphed over Ranchi Royals and SG Pipers in a tense bidding battle.
Valentina Raposo Ruiz de los Llanos (Argentina, defender): Another Argentine starlet, Raposo was snapped up by Shrachi Bengal Tigers for ₹30 lakh, reinforcing their defensive core alongside Gorzelany.
The spree on Argentine internationals highlighted the global respect for their style of hockey, with franchises investing heavily in proven winners from the reigning Olympic champions.
Indian Players Make Their Mark
Among the Indian contingent, Monika’s journey stood out as the story of redemption. Unsold in last season’s auction, the experienced midfielder triggered a fierce tussle this year between Bengal Tigers and SG Pipers, eventually going for ₹15 lakh. Her signing as the highest-paid Indian player underscored both her consistency and the demand for steady midfield anchors.
Defender Udita, last season’s costliest women’s player, returned to SG Pipers at her base price of ₹10 lakh, ensuring continuity for the Delhi-based franchise. Another heartwarming storyline came with Mahima Tete, who joined her elder sister Salima Tete at JSW Soorma Hockey Club. Bought at her base price of ₹2 lakh, Mahima’s acquisition was less about bidding wars and more about family legacy, with the Soorma franchise banking on the siblings’ chemistry in midfield.
Strategic Trends
This year’s women’s auction revealed three key themes shaping franchise strategies:
- Argentina’s Pull: From Gorzelany to Raposo, Argentine players dominated the charts. Their reputation for tactical discipline and technical brilliance meant franchises were willing to commit a large chunk of their budget.
- Indian Core Stability: While overseas stars drew the highest numbers, franchises were deliberate in retaining and reacquiring Indian mainstays such as Udita, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, and Vandana Katariya. This ensured a balance between local reliability and international flair.
- Youth and Value Picks: Beyond marquee signings, franchises made smart low-cost acquisitions — from Mahima Tete (₹2 lakh) to emerging juniors like Deepika and Kanika Siwach. These signings reflected the league’s growing role in nurturing India’s next generation.
Franchise Snapshots
- Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers: The most aggressive buyers of the day, they pulled off marquee deals for Gorzelany and Raposo, while also investing in Monika. With Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, and Gurjit Kaur in their ranks, Bengal Tigers look like the team to beat.
- JSW Soorma Hockey Club: Bolstered their attack with Granatto and added depth with overseas picks like Sarah Robertson. The Tete sisters’ midfield partnership is one to watch.
- Ranchi Royals: Focused on balance, adding Lucina Von Der Heyde, Agustina Albertarrio, and Agostina Alonso from Argentina, while ensuring continuity with Nikki Pradhan and Sangita Kumari. Their mix of experienced Indian players and new foreign recruits suggests a calculated approach.
- SG Pipers: Invested heavily in defence with Udita and Spanish defender Lola Riera (₹21 lakh), while securing experienced campaigners like Teresa Viana Ache and Cristina Cosentino. With Navneet Kaur leading the line, their squad looks solid across departments.
A League of Opportunities
The Hero HIL Governing Council noted that the women’s mini auction achieved its aim of creating competitive parity while promoting Indian talent. With juniors like Mahima Tete, Deepika, and Kanika Siwach stepping into the spotlight alongside world-class internationals, the upcoming season promises a fresh blend of youth and experience. For Indian hockey fans, the sight of household names like Vandana, Udita, and Monika playing alongside global stars such as Gorzelany and Granatto offers an exciting narrative. Meanwhile, young players will gain invaluable exposure, rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s finest.
As the dust settles on the auction floor, the stage is set for a gripping season of women’s hockey in the Hero HIL 2026. Franchises have shown a clear intent investing in overseas pedigree while nurturing homegrown stars. The mix of record signings, redemption stories, and rising talent ensures that when the league kicks off, the action on the turf will be just as dramatic as the bidding wars in New Delhi. With Shrachi Bengal Tigers leading the charge with marquee buys, JSW Soorma’s midfield bolstered by the Tete sisters, Ranchi Royals building balance, and SG Pipers reinforcing their defensive spine, the competition looks wide open.
The auctions were only the first battle. The real contest begins when these names take the field.
