In a triumphant surge, the Indian women's hockey team has etched its name in history, securing the sixth position in the latest world rankings. This remarkable achievement follows stellar performances at the Asian Champions Trophy and the Hangzhou Asian Games.
The team's rise from eighth to a proud sixth position is highlighted by an unbeaten streak, clinching a bronze at the Asian Games and triumphing at the Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi. It's not just a shift in numbers but a testament to their unwavering dedication and on-field prowess, reminiscent of their peak during the FIH Pro League in the preceding year's June.
With 2368.83 rating points, India has surpassed England in the rankings, setting a new pinnacle in their international standing. A 34-member core group for the senior women’s national team includes goalkeepers Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam, and Bansari Solanki, while Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri, and Mahima Chaudhary form the group of defenders. Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, and Ajmina Kujur are the midfielders called up for the camp, while Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo, and Beauty Dungdung form the forward's line-up.
This surge in world rankings couldn't have come at a better time as the Indian women gear up for the forthcoming FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers scheduled from January 13 to 19 in Ranchi. The stage is set for an intense battle against formidable opponents, with India eyeing a coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Indian players will feel confident as they return to camp scheduled to take place from November 22 to December 10, 2023, at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru, ahead of the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023, set to take place from December 15 to 22.
Captain Savita Punia, speaking on the team's ambitions, highlighted their unwavering mission, “We have a mission that remained unfulfilled in (2020) Tokyo. For Paris, though we could not qualify directly through the Asian Games (in Hangzhou), we will do it through the qualifiers.”
As the Indian women's hockey team stands at the zenith of its global ranking, this achievement not only echoes their present glory but propels them forward with renewed vigour, poised to script more remarkable chapters in international women's hockey.