Pakistan juniors jump to ninth in world hockey rankings

By Syed Intikhab Ali
December 25, 2024
A representational image showing hockey players engaged in on-field practice. — AFP/File
A representational image showing hockey players engaged in on-field practice. — AFP/File

KARACHI: The runners-up position in the Junior Asia Cup 2024 not only improved Pakistan’s ranking from 12th to 9th but also secured them a spot in next year’s Junior World Cup.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) released the ranking of junior teams, which saw Pakistan climb into the top 10 with 1305 points. It is worth mentioning that Pakistan displayed a commendable performance in this year’s Junior Asia Cup in Oman. Although they lost to a strong Indian team in the final, finishing in the top two improved their position by three spots.

Pakistan junior team is ranked higher than several strong teams, including Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, and England, which hold the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 16th positions, respectively. Aside from India, Pakistan is the only Asian team in the top 10 rankings.

According to FIH rankings, Germany is in the top spot, with India and Argentina being second and third, respectively.

The FIH introduced the ranking system, which operates on a tournament-based model, for the junior teams last year.