Hero HIL Closed Bid to be held on 22 November 2013

– 154 players including 95 Indians and 59 Overseas have signed for Closed Bid

– Closed Bid will see players from 14 Countries

New Delhi, 21 November 2013: The Hero Hockey India League Closed Bid 2013 will take place at Hotel The Lalit in New Delhi on 22 November 2013, nearly two months ahead of the second season of Hero HIL.

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 $ 2,600 to $ 25,000”.

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.

The list of 95 Indians has some young talented players who have recently performed well at various tournaments. Forward Affan Yousuf, Vice-Captain of the Indian Junior Men’s team that won
gold medal in the 3rd Sultan of Johar Cup last month, is amongst them.

Forward Ramandeep Singh, who scored his maiden goal in his debut match at the 9th Men’s Asia Cup and six goals in the 3rd Sultan of Johar Cup 2013,has also signed up. Goalkeeper Harjot Singh and forward Mohammad Amir Khan are the other young talents who were part of the Junior National Team that won 3rd Sultan of Johar Cup.

Forward Nikin Thimmaiah who made his debut in the recently concluded 9th Men’s Asia Cup in Malaysia and Defender Gurjinder Singh who scored a goal in his maiden debut during FIH World League Round 2 early this year are also among the stellar attractions from domestic players who have signed in their willingness to be featured in the Closed Bid.

The list of 95 Indians comprises of 10 Goalkeepers, 16 Defenders, 27 Midfielders and 42 Forwards.

In the list of 59 Overseas players maximum number of players have signed from World Champion Australia and Argentina. The most experienced player in the Overseas list is Malaysian defender Azlan Misron with 317 caps. He participated in the Commonwealth Games 2010 (Bronze), Asian Games 2010 (Silver) and other major events including Asia Cup and Champions Challenge.

Korean Defender Jong Ho Seo who was member of the national team in four Olympics Games 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, three World Cups 2002, 2006, 2010, seven Champions Trophy 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2009 and three Asian Games 2002, 2006, 2010 is also set to join the league is also available for the Closed Bid.

New Zealand’s trustworthy midfielder Ryan Archibald has played in 280 internationals including Two Olympics in 2008, 2012, three World Cups 2002, 2006, 2010 and Commonwealth Games 1998, 2002, 2006 and Champions Trophy 2004, 2010, 2011. He was also the part of FIH World All Star Team in 2007.

England’s experienced midfielder/forward Barry Middleton who played 275 internationals has signed for the Closed Bid. He has been key member of the England team in three Olympics 2004, 2008 and 2012. Having participated in two World Cups in 2006 and 2010, Barry has also participated in four Champions Trophy Tournaments in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012. He was continuous member of the World All Star Team from 2008 to 2010.

Spanish defender Ramon Alegre has also signed for the Closed Bid. Having an experience of 237 international caps, Ramon was Vice-Captain of the Spain team that finished sixth at the Olympic Games in London 2012. He represented his national team in Olympic Games 2004, 2008 (Silver Medal), World Cup 2002, 2006 (Bronze Medal), 2010 and also participated in the Champions Trophy from 2004 to 2011. He was selected in the FIH World All Star Team 2011.

The break-up of Overseas Players (by nationality): Argentina 12, Australia 10, Canada 2, Czech Republic 1, England 6, Germany 1, Ireland 1, Italy 3, Korea 1, Malaysia 4, New Zealand 6, South Africa 7 and Spain 5.

In the inaugural season, 70 top domestic players including the Indian national side as well as 50 international players who are part of the national squads of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia, Spain, and Argentina played for the five teams.

Of the 120 players who played in the inaugural Hero Hockey India League, 60 were Olympians. The list includes winners of the prestigious FIH Player of the Year Award including. Jamie Dwyer (2004, 2009, 2010, 2011), Teun de Nooijer (2003, 2005, 2006) and Moritz Fuerste (2012). Seven of the top 10 FIH rated players played in the Hero HIL 2013.

More than 69 million fans across the world watched the inaugural tournament. The inaugural season, won by the Ranchi Rhinos, was telecast in 146 countries. The largest marketing campaign for a hockey tournament saw record stadium walk ins and more than half a million fans liked the official Facebook page.

Star Sports, Broadcast Partner of the Hero HIL will telecast live all the matches. The second edition of the world’s most exciting and innovative hockey league will be played from 25 January 2014 with the final being scheduled for Sunday 23 February 2014.