HIL 2024-25: All about the Soorma Hockey Club star player

The Soorma Hockey Club went all out to build a formidable team as the Hockey India League made a return after seven years. The Punjab-based franchise bagged the Indian Men’s Hockey Team captain, Harmanpreet Singh, for as high as ₹78 lakhs. Clinching the star Indian player following an intense bidding war, Soorma’s bid made him the costliest buy in the HIL 2024-25 auction. With the sixth season of the league slated to kick off on 28 September, the Soorma Hockey Club is yet to announce their leading face. However, for anyone with an understanding of the sport, the chances seem almost certain for Harmanpreet to lead the camp this season.

HIL 2024-25: Harmanpreet Singh poised as the star face of the Soorma Hockey Club

A part of India’s campaign when the team won two bronze medals in consecutive Olympic editions, Harmanpreet emerged as the most prized prospect in the auction. Soorma Hockey Club, meanwhile, gauged that the stakes would be high if they wanted to claim a match-winner like him. Thus, when the time arrived, Soorma didn’t hesitate in bidding for the Indian captain.

The Soorma Hockey Club is yet to announce their captain for the season. However, Harmanpreet is poised as the obvious choice when the time comes. The 26-year-old has been a skilled player since his junior days, making long strides swiftly in the Indian hockey scene. India’s drag-flick superstar played an instrumental role in the Olympic campaign when India ended the 41-year-long medal drought by winning the bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. By the time the 2024 Paris Olympics arrived, Harmanpreet had already claimed the captaincy of the Indian team.

In the interim, the penalty corner specialist won the 2022 FIH Player of the Year accolade before India opted for him as the leader for the 2023 Hockey World Cup. The period after that witnessed India winning the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou by beating the defending champions, Japan, 5-1. The 2024 Paris Olympics is a fresh memory for fans, where Harmanpreet, along with PR Sreejesh, scripted the historic quarterfinal victory against Great Britain. Moreover, with the victory over Spain in the bronze medal match, India secured consecutive medals at the Olympics for the first time since the 1972 Munich edition. Now, Harmanpreet Singh is excited to play in the Hockey India League that aims to discover young talents in the nation.

“HIL is a great platform. It is a good opportunity for young players to play with seniors and former players. It will be a good experience for them while playing for the country in the future," Harmanpreet said as he gears up for the new challenge.