Veteran drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh has welcomed the Hockey India League (HIL) governing council’s decision to take over the UP Rudras franchise, calling it a crucial move to ensure continuity in the competition.
UP Rudras had earlier pulled out of the league citing financial sustainability issues, prompting the Governing Council to step in and manage the team until a new owner is found. The move guarantees that Rudras’ players will still feature in HIL 2026, maintaining the league’s competitive balance.
“If Hockey India Governing Council is taking over a team, then it is a good sign. It means no team is being pulled out, and players are still getting opportunities to play alongside international names. The most important thing is that the league is happening, and if these small issues are managed, it will only grow year by year,” Rupinder said.
Rupinder, who captained Shrachi Bengal Tigers to the title last season and was bought by SG Pipers for Rs 12 lakh, underlined the importance of financial backing for young players.
“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 focus fully on the game. The biggest responsibility is to stay focused, even when you are earning good money, you must make sure that whatever time you get on the ground, you double that time through your performance,” he said.
Among the youngsters, goalkeeper Vivek Lakra emerged as one of the most notable buys, fetching Rs 23 lakh from Shrachi Bengal Tigers against a base price of just Rs 2 lakh in the mini auction.
Expressing his surprise and excitement, he said, “I was watching the auction, and I was quite nervous. I didn’t expect my name to go that high, and when it happened, I was surprised. It is very exciting for me. I just want to give my best, and with experienced foreign players in the team, I will try to learn as much as possible whenever I get the chance.”
Lakra also reflected on his journey. “Everyone at home was very happy after the auction. We come from a simple background, so this gives me 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 those days to now, this feels like a big step, but I know it is just the start. My dream is to play well here, learn something from every opportunity, and one day play in the Olympics.”
In the women’s auction, Monika produced one of the biggest stories, turning around her fortunes after going unsold last year to become the most expensive Indian player this season. She was signed by Shrachi Bengal Tigers for Rs 15 lakh.
“Last year, I was unsold in the league and later dropped from the core national group, which was a very emotional time. I would say Hero HIL is a big 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 is a great opportunity for youngsters, but even as a senior player, you have to prove yourself again. Playing alongside overseas players will also raise standards for everyone. That’s why I feel this league is important for all of us,” she said.