~Monika hails Hero HIL as an vital platform for each children and seniors to show themselves~
~Rupinder Pal Singh sees Hero HIL Governing Council’s takeover of the UP Rudras franchise as important for continuity within the league~
New Delhi, twenty fifth September 2025: The younger goalkeeper Vivek Lakra was one of many largest tales of the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 Mini Auctions, signed by Shrachi Bengal Tigers for INR 23 Lakhs towards a base worth of simply INR 2 Lakhs. A day after the public sale, he joined Monika and Rupinder Pal Singh in reflecting on their choice, the league, and the street forward.
Expressing his pleasure, Lakra mentioned, “I used to be watching the public sale, and I used to be fairly nervous. I didn’t anticipate my identify to go that prime, and when it occurred, I used to be stunned. It is vitally thrilling for me. I simply wish to give my finest, and with skilled overseas gamers within the staff I’ll attempt to be taught as a lot as attainable at any time when I get the prospect.”
He additionally spoke about what the transfer meant for his household and his future. “Everybody at house was very comfortable after the public sale. We come from a easy background, so this provides me motivation to maintain working laborious. Once I began on the Sports activities Hostel in Panposh, I didn’t even have my very own goalkeeper equipment and needed to borrow from seniors. From these days to now, this seems like a giant step, however I do know it’s simply the beginning. My dream is to play effectively right here, be taught one thing from each alternative, and in the future play within the Olympics
From the ladies’s public sale, Monika stood out together with her turnaround after going unsold final season. This time, she was the most costly Indian participant (ladies), purchased by the Shrachi Bengal Tigers for INR 15 Lakhs. Reflecting on her journey, she mentioned, “Final yr I used to be unsold within the league and later dropped from the core nationwide group, which was a really emotional time. I might say Hero HIL is a giant platform for each participant. There are such a lot of gifted gamers within the pool, and in the event that they carry out right here, they are going to be seen for the nationwide camps. It’s a nice alternative for kids, however at the same time as a senior participant it’s important to show your self once more. Enjoying alongside abroad gamers can even elevate requirements for everybody. That’s why I really feel this league is vital for all of us.”
Rupinder Pal Singh, the veteran drag-flicker who led Shrachi Bengal Tigers to the title final season, was purchased by SG Pipers for INR 12 Lakhs. He famous the significance of monetary help for younger gamers and the duty that comes with it. “Monetary help for a participant is essential. If I’ve some cash and I do know that all the things goes effectively at house, then I can carry out higher on the sphere with out stress. This sort of help undoubtedly motivates gamers and makes them focus absolutely on the sport. The most important duty is to remain targeted even when you’re incomes good cash, you need to ensure that no matter time you get on the bottom, you double that point by way of your efficiency,” he mentioned.
Rupinder lauds Governing Council for guaranteeing continuity within the league
Rupinder additionally welcomed the Hero HIL Governing Council stepping in to take cost of the UP Rudras franchise. “If Hockey India Governing Council is taking up a staff, then it’s a good signal. It means no staff is being pulled out, and gamers are nonetheless getting alternatives to play alongside worldwide names. An important factor is that the league is going on, and if these small points are managed, it would solely develop yr by yr,” he remarked.
Obtain Hyperlink for the Press Convention Recording may be discovered right here: https://we.tl/t-ImMukdTRCS
