The Indian Men’s hockey team have been pretty good at the Asian Cup as they face Korea in the final match of the Super 4s and a win will help them earn a berth in the finals of the continental tournament. But not everything is rosy for Indian hockey as the Men’s team have fallen down a place in the latest FIH Ranking to be placed in fourth position in the world.
However the Indian Women’s Hockey team have a lot to cheer for as they have gained a place to be sixth in the world in terms of the latest rankings. The Netherlands are still at the top in women’s hockey whereas Australia also holds their position at the summit in Men’s hockey proving their dominance in the sport.
In the Men’s category the Netherlands climbed up and swapped positions with India as they gained the third spot with India falling down to fourth in the rankings that was released on Monday. The Netherlands were expected to have a jump in the rankings after their impressive performances in the FIH Hockey Pro League. However the Indian Men’s hockey team will not focus on these things as they will look to get past Korea and reach the finals in the Asian Cup. Their recent game in the Super fours against Malaysia ended in a 3-3 stalemate and Sardar SIngh’s men will have to avoid that in this match against Korea. Lack of concentration in defence has been a major issue for the Men in Blue as they have offered too many penalty corners to their opposition allowing them a chance to score a goal.
The inexperience in defence is clearly evident despite the presence of Birendra Lakra as the team has struggled in absorbing pressure when there is an onslaught from the other team. They need to be more calm and composed against Korea as they desperately seek a place in the finals of the continental competition.
Coming to Women’s Hockey rankings the Netherlands dominate the floor with Argentina in close second. These two teams are very closely matched and can give each other a tough fight on any given day. Indian Women’s Hockey team gained a position to the sixth place replacing Spain and a lot of people feel that their win over the netherlands in the FIH Hockey pro League acted as a catalyst in helping them gain a place in the rankings.
