~Monika calls Hero HIL an important platform for both young people and seniors to prove themselves~
~Rupinder Pal Singh sees Hero HIL Government Council’s takeover of UP Rudras franchise as essential for continuity in the league~
New Delhi, September 25, 2025: Young goalkeeper Vivek Lakra was one of the biggest stories of the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 Mini Auctions, signed by Shrachi Bengal Tigers for INR 23 Lakhs against a base price of just INR 2 Lakhs. A day after the auction, he and Monika and Rupinder Pal Singh reflected on their selection, the competition and the road ahead.
Expressing his excitement, Lakra said, “I was watching the auction and was quite nervous. I didn’t expect my name to rise so high, and when it happened, I was surprised. It’s very exciting for me. I just want to do my best, and with experienced foreign players in the team, I will try to learn as much as I can whenever I get a chance.”
He also spoke about what the move meant for his family and his future. “Everyone at home was very happy after the auction. We come from a humble background, so this gives me the motivation to keep working hard. When I started at the Sports Hostel in Panposh, I didn’t even have my own goalkeeper kit and had to borrow from seniors. From then until now, this feels like a big step, but I know it’s just the beginning. My dream is to play well here, learn something from every opportunity and one day be at the Olympics to play.
At the women’s auction, Monika stood out with her turnaround after going unsold last season. This time she was the most expensive Indian player (women), bought by the Shrachi Bengal Tigers for INR 15 Lakhs. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “Last year I was unsold in the league and later dropped out of the national core group, which was a very emotional time. I would say Hero HIL is a great platform for every player. There are so many talented players in the pool, and if they perform here, they will be noticed for the national camps. It’s a great opportunity for youngsters, but even as a senior player you have to prove yourself again. Along with Playing foreign players will also raise standards for everyone.” That’s why I think this competition is important for all of us.”
Rupinder Pal Singh, the experienced drag flicker who led Shrachi Bengal Tigers to the title last season, was bought by SG Pipers for INR 12 Lakhs. He pointed out the importance of financial support for young players and the responsibility that comes with it. “Financial support for a player is very important. If I have some money and I know that everything is going well at home, then I can perform better on the field without stress. This kind of support definitely motivates players and makes them fully concentrate on the game. The biggest responsibility is to stay focused even if you are earning good money. You have to make sure that no matter what time you are on the field, you double that time through your performance,” he said.
Rupinder commends the Board of Directors for ensuring continuity in the competition
Rupinder also welcomed the Hero HIL Governing Council which stepped in to take charge of the UP Rudras franchise. “If the Hockey India Governing Council takes over a team, it is a good sign. It means that no team is being withdrawn and players will still get the opportunity to play alongside international names. The most important thing is that the league continues, and if these minor issues are addressed, it will only grow year on year,” he noted.
Download link for the recording of the press conference can be found here: https://we.tl/t-ImMukdTRCS
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