India jump up the rankings, thanks to 8th ranking in the World Cup 2010.
As expected the World Cup champions, Australia, for the first time in last 5 years, have toppled Germany from their rank 1 spot marking their dominance in World Hockey,official.
This is only the 2nd time since 2003 Australia has been able to gain that spot. The other time being only in 2005.
As per the last updated rankings, on 14th Dec, Australia, 1993 points, was closely following Germany, at 2088 points. Earning 1000 points from WC 2010, Australia now have 2605 points (along with other various calculations).
Netherlands and Spain who have dominated the 3rd and 4th position from 2004, exchanged their spots. From 2008 onwards, Spain maintained the 3rd spot. However, this time due to poor fare (5th) at the recently concluded World Cup, they have swapped positions with Netherlands, which has becomes the 3rd ranked now.
Korea and England have held on their 5th and 6th positions respectively.
Pakistan and New Zealand, like Spain and Netherlands, have swapped their rankings. Pakistan has slipped down to 8th where as New Zealand must be a content lot faring 7th in World rankings.
Although, New Zealand finished 9th in the World Cup but Pakistan finishing 12th has helped their cause.
Moreover, since Champions Trophy contributes to the ranking and none of the below ranked teams will contest with the Black Sticks there, they are sure to improve their rankings in Monchengladbach where the Champions Trophy will be held, later this year in August.
India and Argentina - both missed the Beijing Olympics - have pushed aside Belgium and China - both missed 2010 World Cup - off from the 9th and 10th spots to mark their recovery in the International arena, possibly.
Canada retain their 11th ranking and South Africa have improved marginally to be ranked 11th after pulling off few good surprises at the World Cups where they fared a remarkable 10th.
So, for Indian fans the only hope now to fare better in the FIH World Rankings, is Guangzhou Asian Games, late this year, which will contribute to these rankings. Every tournament before that, will be a feeler only.
On the different note, have a look at the World Cup rankings and the current FIH rankings:
