New Delhi, Oct 14 (Reporter) The Hockey India League (HIL) Player Auction for the 2024/25 men's competition was successfully concluded over two action-packed days in New Delhi on 13 and 14 October. All eight participating franchises have assembled formidable squads ahead of the highly anticipated season, which is set to take place in Rourkela later this year. The second day of the auction witnessed a flurry of high-profile international players attracting substantial bids. Belgium's star midfielder Victor Wegnez emerged as the top overseas acquisition, being signed by Soorma Hockey Club for ₹40 lakh. Other key overseas players included Dutch captain Thierry Brinkman, who was sold to Kalinga Lancers for ₹38 lakh, and Belgium's Arthur Van Doren, who fetched ₹32 lakh, also joining the Lancers. Among the Indian contingent, midfielder Moriangthem Rabichandra commanded ₹32 lakh from Kalinga Lancers, while Maninder Singh joined Soorma Hockey Club for ₹26 lakh. Young talents with a base price of ₹2 lakh also made an impact at the auction. Angad Bir Singh was picked up by Kalinga Lancers for ₹26 lakh, while Rajinder was secured by Hyderabad Toofans for ₹23 lakh. The opening day of the auction saw franchises heavily investing in core players from the Indian men's hockey team. Harmanpreet Singh emerged as the most expensive player, joining Soorma Hockey Club. Abhishek became the second-highest buy, secured by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for ₹72 lakh, followed closely by Hardik Singh, who was signed by UP Rudras for ₹70 lakh. Among overseas players, Germany's Gonzalo Peillat fetched ₹68 lakh, making him the most expensive foreign acquisition. Meanwhile, the Netherlands' Jip Janssen was sold to Tamil Nadu Dragons for ₹54 lakh. Franchise rosters will continue to evolve, with the remaining four slots for each team set to be filled through a closed bidding process, the results of which will be announced soon...////...