HIL Closed Bid to be held tomrrow

More than 150 players from 14 countries, including 95 Indians, will go under the hammer when the Hero Hockey India League's Closed Bid 2013 takes place here tomorrow, nearly two months ahead of the second season of the HIL.
Hockey India Secretary General and Hero Hockey India League Chairman Narinder Batra said the Closed Bid would give the franchisees the chance to buy new players to replace permanent withdrawals and complete their squads for the coming season.
"The base prices for the players vary from USD 2,600 to USD 25,000," he said.
"Nearly 154 players from 14 countries including 95 from India and 59 overseas have made themselves available for the Closed Bid. The Bid is expected to see a lot of competition between young Indian and overseas players. The second season will be an exciting opportunity for the young and coming talent to leave its mark on the tournament" said Batra.

The list of 95 Indians has some young talented players. who have recently performed well at various tournaments.
This includes, forward Affan Yousuf, who was vice-captain of the Indian junior men's team that won a gold medal in the 3rd Sultan of Johar Cup last month.

Forward Ramandeep Singh, who scored on debut at the ninth men's Asia Cup and six goals in the third Sultan of Johar Cup, has also signed for the Closed Bid.
Goalkeeper Harjot Singh and forward Mohammad Amir Khan are the other young talents in fray. They were part of the junior national team that won the third Sultan of Johar Cup.

Forward Nikin Thimmaiah, who made his debut in the recently concluded ninth Men's Asia Cup in Malaysia, and defender Gurjinder Singh, who scored a goal in his debut during FIH World League Round 2 early this year, are also among the stellar attractions from domestic players who have signed to be featured in the Closed Bid.
The list of 95 Indians comprises 10 goalkeepers, 16 defenders, 27 midfielders and 42 forwards.
In the list of 59 overseas players, maximum have signed from world champion Australia and Argentina. The most experienced player in the overseas list is Malaysian defender Azlan Misron with 317 caps.