Australian hockey goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram became the first international player picked up at the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) auction, fetching 15 lakhs (AUD 26,605) after a bidding war.
Hockeyroos’ Bartram, whose outstanding 2024 included an Olympic debut and her 100th Test cap, was secured by the Odisha Warriors, outbidding Glenn Turner’s Bengal Tigers for the prized signing.
“I wasn’t watching originally, but a few of the girls were tuning in and told me I was up, so I quickly jumped online to watch,” Bartram shared.
“I’d been extremely nervous all morning, and to be picked up by Odisha was an amazing feeling. I’ve always wanted to experience hockey in an overseas league, and this will be amazing.”
Australian Players in Demand
Bartram led the charge for Australian talent at the one-day auction, which featured just four women’s teams and saw over 250 players go under the hammer for the five-week league, set to run from December 28 to February 1.
The Odisha Warriors continued their shopping spree by acquiring two more Hockeyroos stars, securing 2024 FIH Rising Star finalist Claire Colwill and two-time Olympian Kaitlin Nobbs for 13 lakhs (AUD 23,058) each.
The Warriors’ roster was further bolstered with the addition of Dutch superstar Yibbi Jansen, the highest-paid international player at the auction, who sold for 29 lakhs (AUD 51,438). Fresh off winning Olympic gold in Paris, Jansen is expected to bring both experience and firepower to the Odisha side.
“Heading to the Odisha Warriors with Kaitlin and Claire will be great,” said Bartram.
“Having that familiarity around will be comforting in a new environment, and mixing it with Yibbi, Frekke from Holland, and the Indian girls seems like a good mix for the competition.”
Penny Squibb and Miri Maroney Join the League
Hockeyroos defender Penny Squibb, who made a successful comeback from injury to debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was snapped up by Soorma Hockey Club for 6.6 lakhs (AUD 11,706).
Meanwhile, NSW Pride striker Miri Maroney, 22, was signed by the Delhi SG Pipers for 2 lakhs (AUD 3,547), marking a major career step as she extends her hockey season in India.
The inaugural auction saw five Australians secured by the four participating teams, underscoring the strong demand for Australian talent. The competition, which will expand to six teams next season, runs alongside the eight-team men’s HIL, which has been revived after a seven-year hiatus.
A Year to Remember for Bartram
The Odisha Warriors’ successful bid capped a remarkable year for Bartram. After making her 100th appearance for the Hockeyroos at the Perth International Festival of Hockey in April, she starred at the Paris Olympics, where the Hockeyroos’ campaign ended with a controversial quarter-final loss to China. Now, the 29-year-old goalkeeper is set to showcase her skills in one of the world’s premier hockey leagues.
“2024 definitely has been a wonderful year, and this opportunity just adds to it,” Bartram reflected.
“It’s probably an equal career high with 2022, with our success at the World Cup and Commonwealth Games.”
India’s Udita Duhan Tops Auction, Yibbi Jansen Leads International Bids
The auction’s top spot went to Indian defender Udita Duhan, who was picked up by the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for 32 lakhs (AUD 56,884). Duhan was followed by Yibbi Jansen, who secured the highest international price. Over 250 Indian players and 70 internationals were up for grabs, making the competition for slots fierce.
While the event saw significant bidding for top players, some big names, including Hockeyroos striker Alice Arnott, went unsold, highlighting the competitiveness of the auction.
Full List of Australian Players in the 2024 Women’s Hockey India League:
- Jocelyn Bartram – NSW – Odisha Warriors – 15 lakhs (AUD 26,605)
- Claire Colwill – QLD – Odisha Warriors – 13 lakhs (AUD 23,058)
- Kaitlin Nobbs – NSW – Odisha Warriors – 13 lakhs (AUD 23,058)
- Penny Squibb – WA – Soorma Hockey Club – 6.6 lakhs (AUD 11,706)
- Miri Maroney – NSW – Delhi SG Pipers – 2 lakhs (AUD 3,547)
The auction has set the stage for an exciting season ahead, with international stars ready to compete in India’s revitalised league. For Australian players like Bartram, the tournament offers a chance to make their mark on the world stage, while adding to an already memorable year.
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