The Indian men’s hockey team will end the riveting year in fifth place in the FIH world rankings, while the women’s team is placed ninth in the latest update released by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Thursday. The Indian men’s hockey team made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning back-to-back medals at the Games for the first time since the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Olympic champions the Netherlands (3267 points) stand at the top of the rankings. The Netherlands started the year in the top spot following a great run in the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup, and gold medals at the FIH Hockey Pro League and the EuroHockey Championship in 2023.

A fast start to the 2024-25 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League has propelled England (3139) into second place in the world with Belgium (3124) following closely behind in third, having made a good start to the new Pro League season themselves.

Reigning World Champion Germany (3066) had climbed up to second place following their silver medal at Paris 2024, but a rough start to the Pro League saw them dropping two places, down to fourth in the world.

Eight-time Olympic gold medallist India (2955) and the 2004 winners Australia (2814) are placed fifth and sixth in the world, with both teams set to start their Pro League seasons at home in February 2025 — the Kookaburras playing in Sydney from February 4, while the Men in Blue will start their campaign on February 15 in Bhubaneswar.

Argentina (2722), Spain (2570), France (2116) and Ireland (2112) round out the top-10 to end 2024, with South Africa (2082), New Zealand (2058), Malaysia (1970), Korea (1945) and Pakistan (1942) giving chase as teams ranked from 11 to 15.

In the women’s world rankings, the Netherlands (3689) had another perfect year winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, along with the EuroHockey Championships gold and another FIH Hockey Pro League title.

Argentina (3203) continue to remain in a distant second place, following their bronze medal performance at Paris 2024. They did manage to close the gap between themselves and the Netherlands earlier this month, after getting their first win in nearly three years, over the Dutch side in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25.

Belgium (2918), Germany (2846), and Australia (2820) started the year as the third, fourth, and fifth-ranked teams in the world, respectively, and continue to hold the same positions as they head into 2025.

However, following them closely behind and rapidly closing the gap are Alyson Annan’s China (2685), who have gone from strength to strength in 2024, with a historic silver medal performance at the Olympics.

England (2471) are stepping into a new era following a slew of retirements in the aftermath of Paris 2024, and while they hold on to the seventh spot in the world rankings, three losses in four matches to start the new season of the Pro League mean, the chasing pack have now closed in on the English.

Spain (on eighth, 2422), India (ninth, 2350) and New Zealand (10th, 2124) round out the top-10 positions heading into 2025.

Both Spain and India will aim to climb up the rankings ladder early in 2025 when they start their FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 campaigns in February, in Sydney and Bhubaneswar, respectively.

The chasing pack behind the top-10 includes Japan (2063) in eleventh, Ireland (2028) in twelfth, United States (1998) in thirteenth, Chile (1962) in fourteenth, and Korea (1869) in fifteenth.

Already through to the semifinals, defending champions India thrashed South Korea 8-1, with Arshdeep Singh scoring a hat-trick, to top Pool A with an all-win record in the men’s Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament in Muscat on Sunday. Arshdeep struck in the 9th, 44th and 60th minute while Araijeet Singh Hundal (3rd, 37th) struck a brace. Gurjot Singh (11th), Rosan Kujur (27th) and Rohit (30th) scored a goal each for India in their last pool match. Kim Taehyeon (18th) scored the lone goal for Korea.

India collected 12 points from four wins. Japan also qualified for semifinals from Pool A as second-placed team with nine points, courtesy three wins and one loss (against India).

India face Pool B second-placed team Malaysia, who secured seven points from four matches, in the semifinal on Tuesday.

Pakistan, who beat Malaysia 4-1 on Sunday, topped Pool B with 12 points after winning all their four matches and they face Japan in the other semifinal, also on Tuesday.

India needed just three minutes into the match to take the lead with Hundal scoring from a penalty corner.

Arshdeep and Gurjot scored a field goal each in quick succession to give India 3-0 lead in the first quarter.

Korea made a brief fightback in the second quarter and Kim Taehyeon reduced the margin with a field goal in the 18th minute.

But Rosan Kujur restored the three-goal lead for India in the 27th minute before Rohit struck at the stroke of half-time from the penalty corner to go to the breather 5-1 ahead.

Hundal struck again via a field goal seven minutes after resumption for his second goal of the match. One minute before the end of the third quarter, Arshdeep also scored his second goal to make it 7-1 for India.

Arshdeep then scored a fine field goal to complete his hat-trick a few seconds before the final hooter.

India got five penalty corners in the match and converted two of them, while Korea could not score from the lone PC they earned.

This tournament doubles up as a qualifier for next year’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup, which will be hosted by India.

The top six teams will qualify, but as hosts, India have already secured their spot. Having finished already among top six, the seventh-placed team will also earn a berth.

India have been the most successful team in Junior Asia Cup history with four titles (2004, 2008, 2015, 2023).

Defending champions India started their men’s junior Asia Cup campaign on a rousing note, thrashing lowly Thailand 11-0 in a lop-sided Pool A match in Muscat on Wednesday. Besides India and Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Japan and South Korea are the other teams in Pool A. Pool B consists of arch-rivals Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, hosts Oman and China. Araijeet Singh Hundal (2nd minute, 24th), Arshdeep Singh (8th), Gurjot Singh (18th, 45th), Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (19th, 52nd), Dilraj Singh (21st) and Mukesh Toppo (59th) struck from field play for India, while Sharda Nand Tiwari (10th) found the net from a penalty corner. Rohit (29th) converted a penalty stroke for the winners. India will next take on Japan on Thursday.

Firm favourites to lift the title, the Indians made a solid start to the tournament, scoring three goals in the opening quarter.

Araijeet started the scoring with a reverse flick on the near side which was later doubled by Arshdeep with an easy conversion on rebound.

Later, Sharda Nand added another goal with a powerful down-the-line drag-flick in the 10th minute.

The Indians continued to put pressure on the Thai defence with repeated raids but the opposition goalkeeper Thawin Phomjunt made some brilliant saves to deny the rivals.

Gurjot made it 4-0 for India on the reverse but this time on the far side of the goalkeeper.

A minute later, Sourabh chipped on the far side of the Thai goalkeeper to extend the lead.

It was raining goals for India as Dilraj scored a brilliant field goal by deflecting a long pass in the back of the net.

Araijeet scored his second goal of the day with a brilliant tomahawk to find the top-left corner of the Thai goal in the 24th minute.

Rohit then converted a penalty stroke a minute from half time to hand India a convincing 8-0 lead at the break.

The Indians were more composed after the change of ends and preferred to slow down the tempo, instead of going for all-out attack.

Gurjot scored the only goal of an uneventful third quarter seconds from the hooter with a fine deflection in front of the Thai goalkeeper as India extend their lead to 9-0.

The Indians played clever hockey in the fourth and final quarter by holding on to their possession with short, crisp passes in the midfield.

Sourabh then scored from another field effort in the 52nd minute to take India’s tally to double digit.

Toppo rounded off the scoresheet for India with another field strike from the edge of the box a minute from the final hooter.

India lost 0-2 to Germany at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.© X/@TheHockeyIndia

Maintaining a clean slate, favourites India will fancy their chances when they take on a below-par but unpredictable Korea in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Hulunbuir, China on Monday. Paris Olympics bronze medallist India have been in rollicking form in the tournament so far, registering five wins out of five league matches. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side started their campaign with a 3-0 win over hosts China and then trounced Japan and Malaysia 5-1 and 8-1 respectively.

India then beat Korea 3-1 before eking out a narrow 2-1 win over arch-rivals Pakistan.

It has been a commanding performance from the Indians as they excelled in every department — be it forwardline, midfield or defence.

The most promising part of India’s performance in the league stages has been the form of the strikers.

Scoring field goals was a major concern in Paris but here the young forwardline comprising Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal and others have exceeded expectations.

Young midfielder Raj Kumar Pal, too, has shone bright, scoring some fine field goals. Besides, veteran Manpreet Singh, vice-captain Vivek Sagar Prasad and Nilakanta Sharma have excelled in the midfield.

The Indian defence too has performed stoutly, conceding just four goals with goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera not letting the team feel the void left by the retirement of the talismanic PR Sreejesh.

Harmanpreet, one of the best drag-flickers in the world currently, has led from the front and has continued his good form of Paris, converting as many as five penalty corners.

When India struggled for field goals, Harmanpreet stood up with his penalty corner conversions.

Harmanpreet also has an able understudy in young Jugraj Singh, who is right now the fastest dragflicker in the world.

But a knockout game is a new beginning for any side and the Indians can ill afford to take Korea lightly as they can spring a surprise on their day, evidence of which was their last-gasp equaliser to draw 3-3 against Malaysia and keep their semifinal hopes alive.

The Indian defence will also have to be cautious about not conceding too many penalty corners as in Jihun Yang, the tournament’s leading scorer with seven goals, Korea possesses a potent drag-flicker.

In the other semifinal of the day, Pakistan will take on hosts China.

The final is scheduled for Tuesday.

Harmanpreet warned his teammates against taking Korea lightly despite his side’s impressive run so far in this tournament.

“We came into this tournament with very little rest or preparations after our Olympic campaign. Despite that, I am happy with how the team has done to progress into the semifinal stage.

“Korea is a tough team, they defend very well and can counter attack fast and skillfully,” said Harmanpreet.

Talking about the previous encounter against Pakistan, the ace drag-flicker said it was good the youngsters have shaken off the nerves of playing against Pakistan.

“I think there was a bit of nerves in the match against Pakistan. After their goal, there was a bit of panic especially with some of the youngsters in the squad playing against them for the first time.

“While the focus tomorrow will be on ourselves, it will be interesting to watch how Pakistan to do against China,” he said.

Indian hockey team beat China 3-0 in its campaign opener at Asian Champions Trophy 2024.© X/@asia_hockey

The stage is set for the prestigious Men’s Asian Champions Trophy which will begin on Sunday here at the picturesque Moqi Hockey Training Base which overlooks the Nierji Dam in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia in China. Reigning Olympic bronze medallist India start as favourites to defend the title while hosts China, Japan, Pakistan, Korea and Malaysia have arrived with hopes of a grand outing in the marquee tournament. Last year, India won the title at home, making them the only team to bag four titles in the history of the tournament. The team’s skipper Harmanpreet Singh is keen on continuing India’s dominance in the continental championships this year too.

Here are the details of India’s opening game that is set to take place against China –

When will the India vs China, Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey match be played?

The India vs China, Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey match will be played on September 8, 2024.

Where will the India vs China, Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey match be played?

The India vs China, Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey match will be played at Moqi Training Base in Hulunbuir City, China.

What time will the India vs China, Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey match start?

The India vs China, Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey match will start at 3:30 PM IST.

Which TV channels will live telecast the India vs China, Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey match ?

The India vs China, Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey match will be telecast live in Sony Sports network TV channels.

Where to follow the live streaming of the India vs China, Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey match?

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

With IANS Inputs

File photo of Indian hockey team.© AFP

Hours before his last hurrah, celebrated India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh described his international career as “nothing short of extraordinary” and expressed his gratitude to the countrymen for believing in him. The 36-year-old from Kerala will hope to end his illustrious 18-year-long career with a medal when he steps on to the field for one last time along with his teammates in the bronze playoff against Spain in the Paris Olympics.

“As I stand between the posts for the final time, my heart swells with gratitude and pride. This journey, from a young boy with a dream to the man defending India’s honour, has been nothing short of extraordinary,” he wrote on ‘X’.

“Today, I play my last match for India. Every save, every dive, every roar of the crowd will forever echo in my soul. Thank you, India, for believing in me, for standing by me. This is not the end, but the beginning of cherished memories.

“Forever a custodian of dreams.” Sreejesh had announced his retirement plans ahead of his fourth appearance at the Olympics.

As I stand between the posts for the final time, my heart swells with gratitude and pride. This journey, from a young boy with a dream to the man defending India’s honour, has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Today, I play my last match for India. Every save, every dive,… pic.twitter.com/pMPtLRVfS0

— sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) August 8, 2024

The veteran goalkeeper has been in good form as he produced some sensational saves in the tournament, including two in the quarterfinal shoot-out against Great Britain, to help India seal a second consecutive Olympic semifinal spot.

He had played a pivotal role in India’s bronze-medal winning feat at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.

After making his debut at the 2006 South Asian Games, Sreejesh was a part of various memorable wins for India, including a gold in the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze medal in the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta-Palembang.

He was also part of the Asian Champions Trophy-winning side in 2018, and the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals champion team in Bhubaneswar.

Assured of a quarterfinal berth, India will aim for consistency when they take on reigning champions Belgium in their tough penultimate Pool B match of the Olympic Games in Paris on Thursday. The Red Lions are leading Pool B with three wins from as many matches, while the Indians are a rung below in the second place with two wins and a draw. Mighty Australia are placed third with seven points from two wins and a loss. Argentina have also qualified for the quarterfinals with four points from three games, which includes a win, a draw and a loss.

New Zealand and Ireland are out of the race after suffering three consecutive losses. Only the top four can make the last-eight stage cut.

The Indians started their campaign on a shaky note with a close 3-2 win over New Zealand and then scored a last-minute goal to salvage a draw against former champions Argentina.

But against Ireland, it was a completely different performance from the Indians, at least in the first two quarters. They dominated the possession with one-touch play to score two goals in the first quarter which proved vital in the end.

India skipper Harmanpreet Singh once again rose to the occasion, first converting a penalty stroke and then finding the net from a set piece in the second quarter to hand his side the win.

The Indian mid-field, led by veteran and four-time Olympian Manpreet Singh and vice-captain Hardik Singh, also brought their A game to the table, creating several chances for the forward-line.

The likes of Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Gurjant Singh and Sukhjeet Singh sparkled upfront by keeping the pressure on the opposition defence.

Against Ireland on Tuesday, India opted for one-to-one short passes to build their attacks, instead of going for aerial balls.

Right-back Jarmanpreet Singh has been a revelation in the tournament so far and was omnipresent, be it in defence or creating chances from flanks.

Another player who deserves credit is Amit Rohidas, who produced a rock solid performance at the back. He defended the penalty corners brilliantly being the first rusher and from one-on-one situations.

But it is India’s wall, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is living up to his reputation in his Olympic swansong. He made multiple good saves against Ireland in the last two quarters to hand his side the win.

After Belgium, India will end their pool engagements against nemesis Australia on Friday.