"It is unbelievable. I never expected that I will end up getting so much but I did expect to the tune of USD 50,000," Raghunath told mediapersons after his bidding war was over.
The big bodied defender admitted that need for quality drag-flickers in the country was one of the primary reasons for him getting such price.
"My performance in the Champions Trophy has been rewarded. Also since I am a current India player, I have got a good bidding as every team needs a quality drag-flicker," said Raghunath.
Sandeep Singh, Indian hockey's poster boy during the pre-Olympic event was a picture of disappintment as he had to depend on Joe carrol's bidding price in order to end with a decent sum of money.
"Yes, I was disappointed. I didn't expect this and don't exactly know what were the reasons for this low price," said the DSP of Punjab Police who got only USD 27,800.
"But the posituve aspect will be that I would be able to work with world's best coach Ric Charlesworth."
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UP Wizards Technical Advisor Dhanraj Pillay said,"I am happy that for the first time, hockey players are getting money. All credit goes to Hockey India and I am sure it will be one of the best leagues in the world."
Legendary Charlesworth is pretty happy with composition of Mumbai Magicians stating,"In these kind of auctions, you normally don't get everything that you want but I am happy with the team composition and we will make it a good winning side," he concluded.