India captain Harmanpreet Singh became the most expensive player on day one of the Hockey India League auction, with Soorma Hockey Club snapping the star drag-flicker for Rs 78 lakh on Sunday.

The revival of the Hockey India League will put the sport on a glorious path, feels former captain Sardar Singh.

Sardar and ex-striker Deepak Thakur were named coaches of the Indian men's and women's 'A' hockey teams respectively which will take part in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag, hockey stalwart Sardar Singh and Paralympic silver-medallist Deepa Malik are part of the 12-member selection panel.

Just like last year, the Sports ministry opted for a single selection committee to pick the awardees among both athletes and coaches and it will be headed by Retired Supreme Court Justice, Mukundakam Sharma.

Sardar Singh feels the current team under Manpreet Singh has the potential to break the four-decade-old jinx in Tokyo Olympics next year.

Sardar Singh said that his conversation with Sachin Tendulkar helped him to bounce back and rejuvenated his confidence.

Sardar Singh played a key role in the recently-concluded Asian Games 2018 at Jakarta-Palembang, where India clinched a bronze medal.

With yet another high-scoring victory margin, India have taken their total goals scored in the tournament to a record 51 goals.