Xtra Time Web Desk: A delightful finish to a dream campaign at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 saw Indian Hockey scripting history as both Men’s and Women’s teams achieved their highest ever FIH world rankings. The Indian Men’s Hockey team, which ended a 41-year medal drought by clinching the Bronze Medal in Tokyo, rose to 3rd in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World Rankings, behind Belgium and Australia, respectively. Whereas, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, moved up to the 8th position according to the latest FIH world rankings.
Before this feat, the Manpreet Singh-led side’s career-high ranking was No.4, which they achieved in March 2020 on the back of their scintillating performances in the first three rounds of the second edition of FIH Hockey Pro League 2020. On the other hand, the Indian Women’s team’s highest-ever world ranking was 9th, which they accomplished by producing their best finish (Quarter Finals) at the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 in four decades. Having reached till Quarter Finals of the World Cup, the Indian eves became the top-ranked Asian team and went on to clinch the Silver Medal at Jakarta Palembang 2018 Asian Games.
Both the teams achieved their highest ranking following their stunning performances at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Manpreet and Co. finished second in Pool A winning four out of five group phase matches and defeated Great Britain 3-1 in Quarter Final before losing 5-2 against Belgium in their historic Semi Final. However, they staged a remarkable comeback to grab a 5-4 win over Germany to clinch a historic Bronze medal at Olympic Games and as result climbed up to their best-ever world ranking.
Whereas, the Indian Eves, who faced three losses in the initial matches, went on to pull off arguably the biggest upset as they beat World No.3 Australian side in what was their first ever Quarter Final of the Olympics. Rani & Co. lost both Semi Final and the Bronze Medal Play-Off match against Argentina and Great Britain, respectively. Hence, finishing fourth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics led India Women’s Hockey Team to climb up to the 8th in the world rankings.