Indian Women’s Hockey Team soars to 6th position in FIH World Rankings

The Indian women’s hockey team has achieved a significant milestone, climbing to the sixth spot in the FIH World Rankings after securing victory at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023 in Ranchi, following their bronze medal win at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Accumulating 2368.83 points, this places the team at their best-ever ranking, last accomplished during the FIH Pro League in June 2022.

Defeating Japan in the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 after their Hangzhou success has propelled the team to this new high in the rankings. The Netherlands, reigning Olympic and World Champions, continue to hold the top spot, followed by Australia and Argentina in the second and third positions, respectively.

This elevation in world ranking serves as a significant boost as the team gears up for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers scheduled for January 13 to 19, 2024, in Ranchi. India will face tough competition from Germany, New Zealand, Japan, Chile, the United States, Italy, and the Czech Republic in their quest to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Commending the team’s achievement, Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey expressed pride in their dedication and aspirations to break into the top three, highlighting the addition of mental conditioning coach Peter Haberl as a positive step for the team’s development.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the team’s impressive rise in the rankings and emphasizing the upcoming qualifiers as an opportunity to showcase India’s prowess in the sport.

-IANS