India Retains Top-10 Spot in FIH World Rankings After Pro League Performance

Lausanne (Switzerland): India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams have maintained their positions in the top 10 of the FIH World Rankings following their performances in the FIH Pro League matches held in Bhubaneswar. The latest rankings, released on Tuesday, placed the Indian men’s team at fifth, while the women’s team secured the ninth spot.

During the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League, the Indian women’s team faced strong competition from world champions Netherlands, as well as Australia, England, Germany, and Spain. Meanwhile, the men’s team played against England, Germany, Spain, and Ireland. The points gained from these matches helped both teams retain their global rankings amid fierce competition.

The opening months of 2025 have seen intense hockey action across various international tournaments. The FIH Hockey Pro League hosted matches in Sydney, Bhubaneswar, and Santiago del Estero. Alongside these, the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 took place in Oman, and the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup concluded in Chile on March 2. With teams vying for crucial ranking points, every victory and defeat has caused shifts in the global standings.

In the women’s rankings, the Netherlands (3639 points) remains the world leader despite losing over 50 points following a shootout defeat to India in Bhubaneswar. Argentina (3223) and Belgium (3039) occupy second and third places, respectively. The race from fourth to ninth is highly competitive, with China (2734) leading the pack, followed by Australia (2696), Germany (2662), Spain (2583), England (2440), and India (2391). New Zealand, fresh from their Nations Cup victory, sits in tenth place (2177), strengthening their position in the top 10.

In the men’s rankings, the Netherlands (3241) continues to dominate, followed by Belgium (3123) and England (3061). Germany (3053), the reigning world champions, is in fourth place, while India, with 2978 points, rounds out the top five. Australia (2824), Spain (2716), and Argentina (2682) follow in sixth, seventh, and eighth positions, respectively. France (2116) and Ireland (2091) complete the top 10.

Lower down the rankings, Egypt emerged as the biggest gainer after their performance in the Men’s Nations Cup 2, climbing to 17th place. Austria, Scotland, Canada, China, and Chile also saw ranking shifts following their respective tournament results.

With a packed international hockey calendar ahead, India’s teams will look to build on their Pro League performances as they prepare for upcoming challenges on the road to major global tournaments.