India jump two places to be sixth in world hockey rankings

India leapfrogged Belgium in the rankings.

Zurich: The Indian men's team has jumped two places to be sixth in the latest global hockey rankings, while the women's team remained at 13th.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) released the rankings charts late on Friday night as Asian Games 2014 champions India leapfrogged Belgium (three places down to seventh) and New Zealand (now eighth), riding on good recent performances at the Hero Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Finals. 

Meanwhile, men’s World Cup holders Australia and women’s Olympic and World champions the Netherlands remain at the top of the FIH rankings.

There’s no change in the men’s top three nations, with the Netherlands ranked second and Germany third. While England moved into fourth, Argentina continued their rise as they moved up to fifth place.

Behind New Zealand were South Korea, Pakistan, Spain, Ireland, Malaysia, Canada and South Africa till the 15th spot respectively.

The biggest rise in the men’s rankings saw Venezuela move up 22 places to 47.

In the women’s rankings, despite losing the EuroHockey Championships 2015 final to England, the Netherlands remained in the top spot.

Australia followed by Argentina made up the top three, New Zealand in fourth, whilst only 13 points separate China, England and the United States positioned fifth, sixth and seventh place respectively. Dominican Republic made the biggest rise as they moved from 51 to 37.

The rankings were confirmed following the conclusion of the African Hockey Championships 2015.