MUMBAI: As many as 120 hockey players were sold to franchises at the Hockey India League (HIL) players? auction on Sunday.

Like the IPL, some players went for much more than their base price while others were unsold. Midfielder Sardar Singh made the most money of $78,000 (Rs 42,90,000) from Delhi WaveRiders. Uttar Pradesh Wizards bought drag-flicker V R Raghunath for $76,000. This was more than five times his base price. He expressed surprise at getting such a good deal.

Australian Jamie Dwyer was bought by Jaypee Punjab Warriors for $60,000. German Mortiz Fuertse was bought by Ranchi Rhinos for $75,500 and Teun Nooijer by Uttar Pradesh Wizards for $66,000.Not everybody hit the jackpot though. Sandeep Singh was bought by Mumbai Magicians for his base price of $27,800 (Rs.15,29,000). Like the IPL past performances matter. Bharat Chetri who led India in their poor run at the Olympics was not picked.

Nine out of the 15 Pakistani players available for auction were bought. Mumbai Magicians bought four Pakistani players - Mohammad Rashid for $41,000, Mohammad Tousiq $27,000, Fareed Ahmed for $21,000 and goalkeeper Imran Butt for $5,500. No Pakistan player takes part in the IPL.

There are five franchises who will compete in the HIL which starts next month. The Indian national team fared poorly at the Olympics but made the semi final of the Champions Trophy.

MUMBAI: Sahara India Pariwar has announced an award for the Indian sportspersons winning medals in the London Olympics. Sahara will be awarding 5 kg, 3 kg and 2 kg gold medals to athletes who win Gold, Silver and Bronze medals respectively.

For the team sports the 5 kg of gold will be equally distributed amongst all the members of the team winning gold medal, 3 kg of gold amongst the members of the team winning silver medal and 2 kg of gold amongst the members of the team winning bronze medal, in the shape of medals.

Sahara India Pariwar managing worker, chairman Subrata Roy Sahara said, "I strongly believe that there can hardly be any appreciation which can equate the undaunted efforts put in by the players who emerge victorious in the prestigious Olympics and bring the much coveted honour to our motherland. This reward is a small token of appreciation from us to the sportsmen to achieve great success and bring laurels to our beloved nation by procuring such highly acclaimed international distinctions".

Sahara which sponsors various sports teams recently announced its decision to purchase the Lucknow franchise in the Hockey India League.