Pakistan moves up to 5th place in FIH World Rankings

Pakistan leapt from 9^th to 5^th place in the updated Men’s World Rankings table released by the Federation of International (FIH).

According to the federation’s website, the Greenshirts earned the place after showing outstanding performance in the recently held FIH Champions Trophy.

Pakistan became the most improved nation in the top ten by winning the Bronze medal at the tournament held in Melbourne. The Greenshirts had ended eight years of medal drought in the tournament when they overcame India 3-2 in the bronze medal play-off last week.

The top four positions, held by London 2012 Olympics Gold medalists Germany, Champions Trophy winners Australia, Olympic and Champions Trophy Silver medalists Netherlands and England, remained unchanged.

New Zealand continue to hold 6th place ahead of Spain on 7^th, Champions Challenge finalists Korea on 8^th, Belgium on 9^th and Champions Challenge winners Argentina on 10^th.

The Greenshirts occupied the place of Spain, which was at number five in the last ranking. Pakistan defeated India by 3-2 in the Bronze medal match of the Champions Trophy Hockey tournament, which helped the team to attain fifth position in the rankings.

Pakistan earned its first Champions Trophy medal since 2004. Since that tournament in Lahore, Pakistan had finished fifth (2005, 2006), seventh (2007, 2011) and failed to qualify for the Trophy from 2008 to 2010, an apt depiction of how low the sport has fallen in the country.

Apart from the bronze medal, Pakistan’s centre forward Shakeel Abbasi was declared player of the tournament. He was conferred the prestigious award for his disciplined play throughout the tournament.

Pakistan’s star player scored three vital goals for the team. His two goals against Germany in the crucial quarter final match, led the team qualify for the semi final long after eight years.

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Posted by Web Desk on Dec 12 2012. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.