Who Are the Top Picks in Women's HIL 2026 Auction?
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Synopsis
The mini auction for the Women's Hockey India League 2026 has unveiled thrilling surprises! With Monika emerging as the highest-paid Indian player and Gorzelany making headlines for her record-breaking purchase, this event has set the stage for an exhilarating season ahead. Discover the full story of these remarkable signings and what they mean for the teams.
Key Takeaways
- Agustina Gorzelany was the highest purchase at INR 42 lakh.
- Monika became the costliest Indian player at INR 15 lakh.
- Four franchises participated in the auction.
- The salary cap was set at INR 2 crore.
- Strategic spending was evident among franchises.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) In a remarkable turn of events at the Women's Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 mini auction, Indian midfielder Monika has been recognized as the priciest Indian player, fetching INR 15 lakh. Meanwhile, Argentine defender Agustina Gorzelany emerged as the day’s top acquisition, securing a jaw-dropping INR 42 lakh, here on Wednesday.
After going unsold in the previous season, Monika's fortunes took a significant leap as she was claimed by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers following an intense bidding war with Delhi SG Pipers. Agustina Gorzelany was also acquired by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers amidst fierce competition from various franchises.
The Wednesday afternoon session showcased a thrilling mini auction for the Women's Hockey India League (HIL) 2026, where four franchises vied for premier talents and emerging athletes. With a talent pool exceeding 100 players, the auction was characterized by strategic spending and effective team-building.
With a maximum salary cap of INR 2 crore, the participating teams—JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, and Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers—successfully assembled well-rounded teams featuring both international stars and India's brightest young prospects.
Among the standout purchases were Agustina Gorzelany for INR 42 lakh, Granatto Maria Jose for INR 34 lakh by JSW Soorma Hockey Club, and Valentina Raposo Ruiz de los Llanos, who was signed by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for INR 30 lakh.
Argentine star María Jose Granatto was secured by Delhi SG Pipers for INR 34 lakh, after overcoming bids from both JSW Soorma Hockey Club and Ranchi Royals.
Indian defender Udita, who was last season’s highest-paid player, returned to Delhi SG Pipers at her base price of INR 10 lakh, while Valentina Raposo Ruiz de los Llanos turned out to be one of the most sought-after players, being signed by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for INR 30 lakh after a multi-franchise bidding contest.
Young midfielder Mahima Tete will now join her sister Salima at JSW Soorma Hockey Club, purchased for her base price of INR 2 lakh.
Final squads:
JSW Soorma Hockey Club
Retained: Ajmina Kujur, Jyoti Chhatri (Jr Player - Traded from Ranchi Royals), Mumtaz Khan (Traded from SG Pipers), Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke (Jr Player), Hina Bano (Jr Player), Sonam (Jr Player), Penny Squibb (Overseas), Jimena Maria Cedres (Overseas), Olivia Shannon (Overseas), Savita, Nidhi, Baljeet Kaur, Jyoti, Nisha, Salima Tete.
New Buys: Mahima Tete (INR 2 Lakh), Granatto Maria Jose (INR 34 Lakhs), Vilar Del Dupuy (INR 2 Lakh), Shihori Oikawa (INR 5 Lakh), Sarah Robertson (INR 10 Lakh).
Ranchi Royals
Retained: Nandni, Sakshi Rana (Jr Player), Kanika Siwach (Jr Player), Nikki Pradhan (Traded from JSW Soorma Hockey Club), Deepika Soreng (Jr Player - Traded from JSW Soorma Hockey Club), Ishika Chaudhary, Neha Goyal, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty DungDung (Traded from Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers), Sangita Kumari (Traded from SG Pipers), Jocelyn Bartram (Overseas), Claire Colwil (Overseas).
New Buys: Lucina Von Der Heyde (INR 14 Lakhs), Agustina Albertarrio (INR 15 Lakhs), Agostina Alonso (INR 15 Lakhs), Lalthantluangi (INR 3.10 Lakh), Maria Paula Ortiz (INR 10 Lakhs), Annu (INR 2 Lakh), Valerie Magis (INR 5 Lakh), Bichu Devi (INR 9.8 Lakh).
SG Pipers
Retained: Shilpi Dabas (Traded from Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers), Sharmila Devi (Traded from JSW Soorma Hockey Club), Jyoti Singh (Jr Player), Manisha (Jr Player), Sunelita Toppo (Jr Player), Deepika (Jr Player), Bansari Solanki, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Kaitlin Jaye Nobbs (Overseas – Traded from Ranchi Royals), Victoria Sauze (Overseas – Traded from Ranchi Royals).
New Buys: Udita (INR 10 Lakhs), Thoudam Suman Devi (INR 5 Lakh), Cristina Cosentino (INR 5 Lakh), Costa Biondi Valentina Isabel (INR 10 Lakhs), Lola Riera Zuzuarregui (INR 21 Lakhs), Teresa Viana Ache (INR 11 Lakhs), Preeti Dubey (INR 2 Lakh), Juana Castellaro Morello (INR 12.50 Lakhs).
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers
Retained: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalrinpuii Pachuav (Jr Player), Manisha Chauhan (Traded from SG Pipers), Jennifer Rizzo (Overseas), Mahima Choudhary, Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Sonika (Traded from Ranchi Royals).
New Buys: Monika (INR 15 Lakhs), Gurjit Kaur (INR 2 Lakh), Puja Sahoo (INR 2 Lakh), Agustina Gorzelany (INR 42 Lakhs), Valentina Raposo Ruiz de los Llanos (INR 30 Lakhs), Victoria Manuele (INR 2 Lakh), Emma Findlay (INR 5 Lakh), Puja Sahoo (INR 2 Lakh), Noor Orpa de Baat (INR 14 Lakhs), Sukhveer Kaur (INR 2 Lakh), Anjali Gautam (INR 2 Lakh), Sosha Carina Benninga (INR 5 Lakh).
Point of View
We observe with pride how the Women's Hockey India League continues to elevate the profile of women's sports in India. The auction not only reflects the growing investment in female athletes but also showcases the immense talent present in our country. It’s a pivotal moment for women’s hockey, and we stand committed to supporting this journey.
NationPress
10/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the most expensive player in the Women's HIL 2026 auction?
The most expensive player was Argentine defender Agustina Gorzelany, who was signed for INR 42 lakh.
How much did Indian midfielder Monika sell for?
Indian midfielder Monika was sold for INR 15 lakh, making her the costliest Indian player in the auction.
What teams participated in the Women's HIL 2026 mini auction?
The teams that participated were JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, and Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.
What was the salary cap for the auction?
The salary cap for the participating franchises was INR 2 crore.
Which franchise acquired Monika?
Monika was acquired by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.
