The International Hockey Federation (FIH) released its latest world rankings, bringing both positive and negative news for Indian hockey. Let’s dive into the details for each team and their FIH World Rankings.
FIH Men’s Rankings: India Slipped to Fourth
- One Step Back: India fell one spot to fourth in the men’s rankings.
- Germany’s Rise: This drop comes after Germany’s impressive performance at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers and the FIH Pro League.
- Top of the Table: Netherlands continues its reign at the top, while Belgium remains firmly in second place.
- Shifting Landscape: Australia climbed to fifth place, surpassing England.
Why the Slip for India?
- Qualification Advantage: India had already secured qualification for the Paris Olympics through their Asian Games gold medal, so they skipped the recent qualifiers.
- Germany Capitalizes: Germany, on the other hand, actively participated in the qualifiers and the Pro League, accumulating points and rising in the rankings.
Other FIH World Rankings Updates
- Familiar Faces: France stays at ninth, while New Zealand re-enters the top 10 after a strong showing at the qualifiers.
- Holding Steady: Argentina and Spain maintain their seventh and eighth positions, respectively.
Women’s Rankings: India Holds Onto Ninth
- Staying Put: The Indian Women’s team remains at ninth in the rankings.
- Dutch Domination: Netherlands continues to be the undisputed leader in women’s hockey.
- Shifting Positions: Argentina and Germany climbed to second and third, respectively, thanks to their impressive performances in the Pro League.
- Reshuffle Below: Australia dropped to fourth, followed by Belgium at fifth.
Tight Race in Women’s Hockey
- Neck and Neck: The gap between sixth-placed England and ninth-placed India is less than 100 points, highlighting the intense competition in women’s hockey.
- China’s Rise: China jumped to eighth after their strong showing in the FIH Pro League.
This update reflects the need for the Indian Men’s team to step up their game and regain their previous ranking. However, the Women’s team is holding its own in a highly competitive field. Let’s hope we see an improvement in the FIH World Rankings next season.