Big step towards financial stability, say hockey stars

By Sunil Subbaiah

BANGALORE: Ace drag-flicker VR Raghunath and mercurial striker SV Sunil have reasons to cheer.

The Karnataka duo is delighted after having bagged lucrative deals at the Hockey India League auctions in New Delhi on Sunday.

Raghunath, who beefed-up the Indian defensive wall at the Champions Trophy in Melbourne recently after the axing of his fellow drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, was bought by Sahara Uttar Pradesh Wizards for a whopping $76,000 (Rs 41.40 lakh) after a intense bidding war.

“It is unbelievable, said Raghunath “I never expected that I will end up getting so much. I was only expecting $50,000. It’s a great thing ever to happen in Indian hockey. It will be a fantastic experience to play as there will be legendary players from around the world… There will be 85 Olympians and 10 international captains coming here to play,” he added.

With more than 102 international caps, Raghunath believes that the emergence of the league is set to boost the players’ financial stability. “With this our hockey players will be financially stable. It’s a good initiative by the Hockey India. It will revive Indian hockey,” said Raghu who played in the German league in 2007.

Stylish striker Sunil got a handsome $42,000 (Rs 22.86 lakh) from Delhi after a bidding war with Punjab. “I am delighted that I have been able to command a good price,” Sunil said. “I hope this new league will benefit Indian hockey and its players,” he added.

Meanwhile London Olympian SK Uthappa was bought by Uttar Pradesh Wizards for $25,000 while Nithin Thimmaiah, who showed promise during the Champions Trophy, was sold to the same franchise for $27,500.

“I am happy. I got much more than I expected,” said Thimmaiah. “I got a chance to play in Australia and I proved my worth. Now that I have got another chance and I will definitely prove myself again,” Thimmaiah added.

Uthappa said the tournament would serve as a learning curve for the youngsters. “Playing alongside the legends with great coaches and support staff with you can only help us improve our skills,” the striker said.

Meanwhile uncapped Indian midfielder MB Aiyappa went to Mumbai for $21,000 (Rs 11.43 lakh). Another Karnataka player, Ignace Tirkey, fetched a whopping $31,000 (Rs 16.87 lakh) from Punjab.