New Delhi, India — Indian men’s hockey team captain and star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh has expressed his excitement as he prepares to guide Soorma Hockey Club in the upcoming season of the Hero Hockey India League (HIL), which begins on December 28, 2024.
Harmanpreet made history as the most expensive player in HIL after being purchased by Soorma Hockey Club for ₹78 lakh during the latest auction. His inclusion is seen as a major boost for the team, as they aim to make their mark in the league’s much-anticipated return after a seven-year hiatus.
“I’m excited to participate in the Hero Hockey India League and start this new chapter in Indian hockey as a member of the Soorma Hockey Club. I’m looking forward to helping the team succeed this season. The league offers a fantastic platform for players to showcase their skills,” Harmanpreet said in a statement issued by Hockey India.
A New Era for Indian Hockey
The Hero Hockey India League returns with an expanded format, including the first-ever Women’s HIL, a milestone in Indian hockey. Reflecting on HIL’s impact on the national team, Harmanpreet emphasized its transformative role in shaping players:
“The exposure the league gave us at an early age is what led to the team’s Olympic victory. Rubbing shoulders with athletes we admired and competing against them daily improved us more than we could have imagined. I have no doubt that the Women’s HIL, debuting this time, will help the Indian Women’s Hockey Team reach new heights in the future.”
Star-Studded Soorma Hockey Club
Harmanpreet, who boasts an impressive record of 205 goals in 234 matches for India’s senior team, will join forces with elite players like Vivek Sagar Prasad, Gurjant Singh, Belgium’s Victor Wegnez, and Australia’s Jeremy Hayward. The team is coached by Dutch tactician Jeroen Baart and mentored by Indian hockey legend Sardar Singh.
“For all of us, the HIL will be an amazing event,” Harmanpreet said. “We will be pitted against our foreign counterparts in thrilling battles that will push us to perform at our highest level. It is a great honor to represent Soorma Hockey Club and play in front of fervent supporters. I am ready to do all in my power to help the club succeed.”
Reviving the Legacy of HIL
The Hero Hockey India League promises to feature elite talent from across the globe, offering fans electrifying matches and players an unparalleled platform for growth. The addition of the Women’s League heralds a significant step forward for gender equality in Indian sports.
With Harmanpreet at the helm and a robust lineup, Soorma Hockey Club is poised to bring thrilling action to the field and reignite the passion for hockey among fans. As the league’s return approaches, the excitement for Indian hockey’s future is palpable.
The Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 season kicks off on December 28, setting the stage for a transformative era in the sport.
