Why the ranking leap of Indian hockey team means a lot for the country

The Indian team under Sardar Singh has shown constant improvement at all stages

This is probably the best moment for Indian hockey in the last few years or so, especially after the national team ended up with a wooden spoon at the 2012 London Olympics. Climbing up two places in the latest FIH world rankings to number six is only a ‘serious confirmation’ of the steady progress made by the team over the past three years.

The fact that the team was put under four different coaches – Michael Nobbs, Terry Walsh, Paul van Ass and Roelant Oltmans indicates that the team has adopted a ‘playing structure’ irrespective of the frequent change of guard with fine-tuning wherever needed.

So, how big an achievement is India moving up to number six in the world rankings? The leap in ranking could not have come at a more opportune time with the 2016 Rio Olympics a year away. What would sum up India’s steady progress in the last few years? Well, the Sardar Singh-led side have twice reached the semifinals of the premier Champions Trophy in 2012 and 2014 – won the Asian Gamed gold medal besides beating Australia and New Zealand in Test rubbers in their own backyard.

How can we forget India upsetting four top teams in 2014? There is always talk that India can’t beat top teams at major events but they have beaten Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium in big-ticket tourneys like the Hockey World League Final Round and Champions Trophy.

No wonder, former Indian forward and captain Jagbir Singh is on cloud nine with the latest ranking leap. “I think Indian team moving up to number six in the world rankings will give all players, officials, federation as well as the former players plenty to rejoice. This upward climb in ranking will reinforce the belief that the road to regaining India’s lost glory is not far.”

India moved ahead of Belgium and New Zealand, who are placed 7th and 8th now. “I’m sure if the team continues to play in the manner they are playing now I think they can go further up in the rankings,” he quips.

When can we expect India to break into the top four alongside Australia, Netherlands, Germany and England? “Look, getting into the top four means you have to regularly feature in the semifinals of the major tournaments and regularly make a podium finish. Australia, Netherlands, Germany and England consistently make the semis of big events and I believe it will take some time before India reaches that level,” Jagbir makes his point.

The former Indian centre-forward always believes India deserved to be in the top six. “Two years back, when I said India can get into the top six, people were telling me that I was day dreaming. I knew what I said and I’m not at all surprised with the ranking leap of the Indian team.”

Clearly, this may not be an occasion to get ‘carried away’ by the latest ranking leap, but surely a moment that will instill confidence among hockey fans that the future holds good for the sport in the country.