Malaysian Trio Fails In Bid For Hockey India League

By M. Santhiran NEW DELHI, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- None of the three Malaysians will be featured in the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) as no team made a bid for them. In a glittering auction conducted by world-renowned auctioneer Bob Hayton, out of six teams taking part in the league, no team had shown interest on S. Kumar (goalkeeper), Kevin Lim (defender) and Muhammad Razie Abdul Rahim (defender). Kumar and Muhammad Razie were each base prized at US$15,000 (about RM64,500) while newcomer Lim was offered US$5,000 (about RM21,500). During the last league season, Kumar played for Uttar Pradesh Wizards, while Muhamad Razie was with Mumbai Magicians. Kalinga Lancers, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Delhi Waveriders, Jaypee Punja Worriors, Dabang Mumbai and Ranchi Rays are taking part in this league which offers 30 crore rupees (about RM2 million). German midfielder, Moritz Fuerste was the hottest player for whom a bid was made by the team with a price tag of US$105,000 (about RM451,500), secured by Kalinga Lancers. Meanwhile, among local players (Indians), forward player Akashdeep Singh emerged as the most expensive player with a price tag of US$84,000 (about RM361,200) and he will play for Uttar Pradesh Wizards. In a related development, Hockey India chief executive officer told Bernama that the three Malaysian players still had some remote chances to play in the league if any of the selected players sustained injuries or faced suspension. Other than Indians, players from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, England, South Africa, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Scotland, Japan and South Korea are taking part in the 5th edition of the league. --BERNAMA