India women’s hockey team player Monica Malik has turned her setbacks into motivation. The midfielder with 200 international caps is a top-level player of the national team but has remained on the sidelines for a while now.
It began last year when she was not included in the team for the 2024 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy held in Rajgir. The team won the finals against the People’s Republic of China by 1-0 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar on November 20, 2024.
This season, she was made to sit out of major tournaments, including the Australia Tour in Perth, Australia, and the Women’s Hockey Asia Cup held in Hangzhou, China. In the Australia Tour, India played five matches, out of which they won just one match, that too in the finals game, ending the tour with 1-4. Meanwhile, in the Asia Cup, India suffered a setback and ended as the runners-up after losing to China 4-1.
As a senior player, this was a big setback in her career. However, good things come to those who never give up, and, in this case, it came for Monica. The stalwart used the chance to improve and rework herself in terms of fitness and earn her spot back in the team.
The good news finally came at the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 Women’s Mini Auction held on 24th September 2025 in New Delhi. At the event, Monica was picked up by the Rarh Bengal Tigers for INR 15 lakhs. Her bid was the highest one ever made for an Indian female player in an auction.
Delhi SG Pipers Director P. R. Sreejesh, also a former Indian player, wanted her to join the team, but budget constraints lost them the chance.
Monica on her selection
Following the decision, during a recent press conference, Monika expressed her excitement and the confidence boost she received on her efforts getting the recognition. “This auction is a huge confidence boost for me,” she said.
“Even as a senior player, you need to constantly reinvent yourself. I’m taking this phase as a challenge. It’s about improving myself, staying fit, and giving my best for India. When the time comes, I want to be ready to make a difference for my team,” she added.
The HIL 2026 Mini Auction
Over 100 men and women hockey players were said to be auctioned. A salary cap worth INR 4 crores for the men’s teams and INR 2 crores for the women’s teams was given. Each team will have 20 players, including 2 goalkeepers and 18 outfield players. Recruitment of a maximum of seven overseas and a minimum of three Indian junior players was also included, ensuring that the opportunities are given to the younger generation. The base price included three categories starting from a minimum of INR 2 Lakhs, INR 5 Lakhs, and INR 10 Lakhs for both Indian and overseas players.
· Inputs sourced from [Hockey India]
