World Men's Field Hockey Rankings
Field hockey is a popular sport that is played all around the world. It is a fast-paced and highly skilled game that requires agility, strength, and coordination. The sport is governed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), which was founded in 1924. The FIH is responsible for organizing international tournaments and maintaining the world rankings of men's and women's field hockey teams. In this article, we will take a closer look at the world men's field hockey rankings, how they are calculated, and which teams currently top the list.
What Are the World Men's Field Hockey Rankings?
The world men's field hockey rankings are a system used to rank the performances of international men's field hockey teams. The rankings are updated every month by the FIH based on the results of international matches played by the teams. The rankings are used to determine which teams are invited to participate in major international tournaments, such as the Olympic Games and World Cup.
The rankings are calculated using a points-based system. The more successful a team is in international matches, the more points they earn. The points are based on the opponent's ranking, the match result, and the importance of the tournament. For example, a win against a higher-ranked team in a major tournament will earn more points than a win against a lower-ranked team in a minor tournament.
Who Are the Current Top Ten Teams?
As of March 2021, the top ten teams in the world men's field hockey rankings are:
Belgium: The Current Number One
The current number one team in the world men's field hockey rankings is Belgium. They achieved this position for the first time in their history in 2019 and have held onto it ever since. The team has been in excellent form in recent years, winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 EuroHockey Championship.
Belgium's rise to the top has been a result of their consistent performances in international tournaments. They have a strong squad of players who are capable of playing fast and attacking hockey. The team is led by captain Thomas Briels, who is one of the most experienced players in the squad. Other key players include goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch and forward Alexander Hendrickx.
India: The Emerging Force
One of the teams that has been making waves in recent years is India. The team is currently ranked third in the world and has been consistently improving its performances. India has a long history of success in field hockey, having won eight Olympic gold medals in the past. However, since 1980, the team has not won any major international tournament.
The current Indian team is a mix of experienced players and young talent. The team is led by captain Manpreet Singh, who has been the backbone of the Indian midfield for several years. Other key players include goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and forward Mandeep Singh. India has been performing well in recent international tournaments, finishing third in the 2018 World Cup and winning the 2019 Asian Champions Trophy.
Conclusion
Field hockey is a sport that is gaining popularity around the world. The world men's field hockey rankings are a great way to track the performances of international teams and identify emerging talents. Belgium is currently the top-ranked team in the world and is closely followed by Australia and India. The rankings are updated every month, so there is always something new to look forward to in the world of field hockey.