I just want to give my best and learn as much as possible,' says Vivek Lakra after Rs 23 Lakh HIL bid

New Delhi [India], September 25 (ANI): The young goalkeeper Vivek Lakra was one of the biggest stories of the Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 Mini Auctions, signed by Shrachi Bengal Tigers for INR 23 Lakhs against a base price of just Rs 2 Lakhs.

A day after the auction, he joined Monika and Rupinder Pal Singh in reflecting on their selection, the league, and the road ahead, as per a release from Hockey India.

Expressing his excitement, Lakra said, "I was watching the auction, and I was quite nervous. I didn't expect my name to go that high, and when it happened, I was surprised. It is very exciting for me. I just want to give my best, and with experienced foreign players in the team, I will try to learn as much as possible whenever I get the chance."

He also spoke about what the move meant for his family and his future. "Everyone at home was very happy after the auction. We come from a simple background, so this gives me motivation to keep working hard. When I started at the Sports Hostel in Panposh, I didn't even have my own goalkeeper kit and had to borrow from seniors. From those days to now, this feels like a big step, but I know it is just the start. My dream is to play well here, learn something from every opportunity, and one day play in the Olympics."

From the women's auction, Monika stood out with her turnaround after going unsold last season. This time, she was the costliest Indian player (women), bought by the Shrachi Bengal Tigers for INR 15 Lakhs.

Reflecting on her journey, she said, "Last year I was unsold in the league and later dropped from the core national group, which was a very emotional time. I would say Hero HIL is a big platform for every player. There are so many talented players in the pool, and if they perform here, they will be noticed for national camps. It is a great opportunity for youngsters, but even as a senior player, you have to prove yourself again. Playing alongside overseas players will also raise standards for everyone. That's why I feel this league is important for all of us."

Rupinder Pal Singh, the veteran drag-flicker who led Shrachi Bengal Tigers to the title last season, was bought by SG Pipers for INR 12 Lakhs. He emphasised the importance of financial support for young players and the accompanying responsibilities.

"Financial support for a player is very important. If I have some money and I know that everything is going well at home, then I can perform better on the field without stress. This kind of support definitely motivates players and makes them focus fully on the game. The biggest responsibility is to stay focused, even when you are earning good money; you must make sure that whatever time you get on the ground, you double that time through your performance," he said.

Rupinder lauds the Governing Council for ensuring continuity in the league. Rupinder also welcomed the Hero HIL Governing Council's decision to step in and take charge of the UP Rudras franchise.

"If Hockey India Governing Council is taking over a team, then it is a good sign. It means no team is being pulled out, and players are still getting opportunities to play alongside international names. The most important thing is that the league is happening, and if these small issues are managed, it will only grow year by year," he remarked. (ANI)

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