Indian Men’s Hockey Team Moves Up in the FIH Rankings Due to Olympic Success

The Indian men’s hockey team has jumped from seventh to fifth place in the Federation of International Hockey (FIH) standings.

This ascent comes after they won the bronze medal in the Olympics in Paris in 2024.

After winning the bronze medal match against Spain, the team, which had started the Olympics rated sixth, moved up in the rankings.

They have now finished on the podium twice in as many Olympics.

Indian team’s performance at Paris Olympics 2024

The Indian team performed poorly in the FIH Pro League, finishing in ninth place, but they were quite good during the Olympics in Paris.

They only lost two games and won five, giving them 2848.67 points and a spot ahead of Australia in the standings.

Their great performance at the Olympics in Paris was a major factor in their ascent in the FIH rankings.

Global standings and the status of the Indian women’s hockey team

With 3168.01 points, the Netherlands—the gold medal winners at the Olympics in Paris—remain at the top of the FIH rankings.

With 3035.28 and 2973.31 points, respectively, Germany and England are in second and third place, following respectively.

Currently ranked fourth is Belgium, the gold medal winners from the Tokyo Olympics.

The Indian women’s hockey team, meanwhile, is rated ninth despite missing out on Olympic qualifying for Paris.

Hardik Singh considers India’s Olympic experience.

Hardik Singh, a midfielder, was essential to India’s Olympic success.

Although earning back-to-back Olympic medals was an impressive feat, he admitted that winning gold is his ultimate objective.

Singh explained that he is determined to aim for this feat in the forthcoming 2026 World Cup.

India recovered from their semi-final loss to Germany by winning bronze against Spain, a tenacity Singh attributes to the lessons learnt from Germany’s own remarkable resurgence.

Singh acknowledges past players and coach’s influence

Singh acknowledged the efforts made by earlier generations of Indian hockey players, especially those who saw the team’s low points—such as their inability to make it to the 2008 Olympics.

He emphasised the comeback of goalie PR Sreejesh, who finished his career with a bronze medal in Paris 2024, following a lacklustre showing at the London 2012 Olympics.

In addition, Singh complimented coach Craig Fulton for his encouraging demeanour and gave him credit for allowing the team to rest on their laurels.