The Indian women's hockey team moved to the top of the standing after their two matches against England, which were postponed due to Covid-19 related issues, were cancelled.
The team led by Savita were initially scheduled to meet on April 2 and 3 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, but a high number of Covid cases coupled with injury issues in the England squad forced the postponement. Now the Indian team have been awarded six points - three each for a match - for the two cancelled games.
"The FIH Hockey Pro League matches between India and England (Women), initially scheduled on 2 and 3 April in Bhubaneswar, India, but postponed due to a high number of COVID cases and injuries affecting the English team, will, unfortunately, be cancelled, eventually," the world governing body said in a statement.
"Indeed, despite all efforts from Hockey India, England Hockey and FIH, no dates could be found to reschedule the matches in India. Consequently, it has been agreed between the FIH and the two nations that the six points available for these two matches will be awarded to India," the statement read.
With six points from these two matches, India leapfrogged the Netherlands into the top position in the standings with 22 points. The Dutch are second at 19 points while Germany (13) are third.
India had beaten the Netherlands 2-1 in the first match of their two-legged tie on Friday (April 8) before losing 1-3 in the shootout in the second game on Saturday (April 9).
Speaking about her team's performance in the home matches, India chief coach Janneke Schopmanof said, "If we look at the initial games we played against China in Oman and then here against Spain, we made a lot of steps, a lot of things better as compared to initial matches, but still lots to learn, lots to improve."
With less than 100 days to go for the FIH Women's World Cup to be held in Spain and Netherlands, Savita said that the Pro League experience will help the team prepare for the marquee event.
"We've played our Pro League matches against quality teams, and it's been great learning for us. It is really helping us prepare for the upcoming tournaments, especially the World Cup," she signed off.
