New Delhi: Fifty-nine overseas players, including 27 Olympians have signed up for the Mini Players Auction/Closed Bid, which is scheduled on November 18 for the next two editions of the Hockey India League (HIL).
Hockey India (HI) Secretary General and HIL chairman, Narinder Batra said players from 12 countries have made themselves available for the auction.
"We are happy that players from 12 countries besides Indians have made themselves available for Mini Players Auction/Closed Bid for Hero Hockey India League. We are also pleased that maximum number of players from World Champion Australia and Argentina will be part of the auction," Batra said.
Malaysian defender Azlan Misron is the most experienced player with 317 caps in the list of overseas players, who had signed for the auction. He participated in the Commonwealth Games 2010 (Bronze), Asian Games 2010 (Silver) and other major events including Asia Cup and Champions Challenge.
Korean defender Jongho 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.
Jongho Seo has a vast experience in the Korean side and represented his country in the 300 international matches.
New Zealand's midfielder Ryan Archibald has played in 280 internationals including two Olympics in 2008, 2012, three World Cups 2002, 2006, 2010, 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 player's auction. He has been key member of the England team in three Olympics 2004, 2008 and 2012, participated in two World Cups in 2006 and 2010, besides being a part of four Champions Trophy in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012.
He was a continuous member of the World All Star Team from 2008 to 2010.
Spanish defender Ramon Alegre has also been signed for the auction. 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.
German midfielder Oliver Korn, member of the national team that won two consecutive gold medals at the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012. He also participated in the World Cup 2010 (Silver Medal) and was continuous member of the Champions Trophy team from 2008 to 2010.
Star Sports will telecast live all the matches of the HIL to be played from January 23 to February 23.
The break-up (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.
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