Hockey is popular in many countries, but the level of talent varies. Some nations excel in hockey and consider it one of their main sports. For example, in Canada, the United States, and Russia, hockey is regarded as the national winter sport.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH), which governs field hockey worldwide, ranks countries based on their performance. This ranking system, introduced in 2003, calculates scores from match results.
Below is a list of the top ten best hockey playing nations
1. Australia
Australia, known as a powerhouse in field hockey, currently holds the top position with 2,642.26 points. The country has a rich history in the sport, consistently ranking among the best. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Australia secured a silver medal. Although they were ranked second after the Olympics, they have since overtaken Belgium to reclaim the top spot, fueled by their determination after the final match. Now, Australia leads Belgium by over 100 points. The nation has also produced numerous exceptional players who have made significant contributions on the international stage.
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2. Belgium
Belgium is currently ranked second with 2742.775 points. Despite winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, they dropped to second place after losing ground to competitors in the Olympic finals. Since 1995, Belgium has reached the quarterfinals of the EuroHockey Nations tournament six times. In this tournament, they secured third place in 2007 and finished as runners-up in 2013 and 2017.
3. Netherlands
They have advanced from fourth to third place and now hold a rank with 2,617.290 points. The Netherlands is the third European nation to be ranked among the top 10 in the FIH standings. The Netherlands is one of the most successful hockey teams in the world, boasting eight Champions Trophy wins. Additionally, they have won the Summer Olympics twice and the Hockey World Cup three times.
4. Germany
Germany began the year ranked fifth but has now climbed to the top with a score of 2340.058. Renowned as one of the world’s premier hockey nations, Germany has secured the Hockey World Cup twice. Their impressive record also includes nine Hockey Champions League titles, eight EuroHockey Nations championships, and four Olympic medals.
5. India
India initially held the third position with 2,296.04 points but has now slipped to fifth place with 2,299.622 points. During the 1900s, India was considered one of the top nations in international hockey. However, their reputation suffered as they repeatedly lost major tournaments over the years. They managed to restore their standing by winning a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
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6. England
Across England, nearly every sport enjoys popularity, and the nation has a strong presence in international athletics. As of the beginning of this year, England secured the sixth position globally with a score of 2130.244. They clinched the gold medal at the inaugural Winter Games and consistently excel in the EuroHockey Nations Championship, earning gold, silver, and seven bronze medals. Additionally, England has also won gold, silver, and bronze in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
7. Argentina
South America is widely recognized for its strong presence in athletics, whether in the NFL or other major competitions. Argentina’s field soccer team, in particular, has earned a positive reputation. With a score of 2082.439, they have consistently held the seventh position since the beginning of the year. The team boasts three Pan American Cup victories and nine gold medals from the Pan American Olympics. Notably, they won gold at the 2016 Summer Olympics by defeating Belgium in a historic match and secured bronze at the 2008 County Championship.
8. Spain
Spain, originally ranked ninth, has now climbed to eighth place in the world rankings with a score of 1852.412. As a European country, Spain holds a spot among the top ten in the hockey championship standings. Since forming their field hockey team, Spain has made significant progress. They have competed in every World Cup since their debut and have won the Champions Cup, Champions Challenge, and the EuroHockey Nations tournament three times. Spain remains one of the competitive nations in field hockey, consistently working to enhance their team’s performance and achieving victories over the years.
9. New Zealand
New Zealand has become a standout nation in sports, despite its small population. As of this year, the country has moved from eighth to ninth place with a score of 1798.247. Known for its excellence across various sports, New Zealand has gained international recognition, from cricket to the Olympics. Notably, they were the first non-Asian team to win a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Games. Their Olympic achievements include gold in 2010, silver in 2002, and a second-place finish at the 2012–2013 World Cup, as well as gold and silver in the League Cup.
10. Malaysia
In recent years, Malaysia has made significant strides in hockey, achieving notable success. It has recently entered the top 10 hockey nations, holding steady at 10th place with a score of 1666.594. Malaysia’s past accomplishments include a fourth-place finish in the 1975 Hockey Tournament and a second-place finish in the 2017 Hockey Asia Cup. In 2017, the international hockey association ranked Malaysia 7th, though they have yet to win a gold medal.
Hockey is a dynamic sport that demands both speed and physical strength. Players must skate swiftly and navigate sharp turns on the ice. It is an excellent sport for getting in shape and staying fit. Certain countries are renowned for consistently producing top hockey players, and these nations are considered the best in the sport. This content highlights 10 of these leading countries, along with a few honorable mentions. As with any sport, hockey features various levels of competition.
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