The Malawi men’s and women’s hockey national teams have for the first time after years got recognition by the International Hockey Federation in the latest rankings.
According to the International Hockey Federation, the men’s national team is ranked 95th in the world and 10th in Africa, with a total of 253.92 points while the women’s national team is ranked 78th in the world and 10th in Africa, with a total of 331.02 points.
The rankings are a result of the Africa Cup Club Championship that Malawi hosted in November 2023.
In September last year, the country’s hockey teams also participated in the first international game called the East and Central qualifying games in Zimbabwe.
Speaking with ProjectM in an interview, Hockey Association of Malawi the President Wanthaza Mdu Mughogho, said the country has potential to improve its world ranking by participating in more international competitions.
“We are happy that Malawi hockey has been ranked for the first time after many attempts to penetrate on the international scene. Through our first international game we have been recognised. That means there is potential. However we need more international games so that we can shift our ranking,” he said.
According to the world rankings, Netherlands is the number one team in the world in the men’s category with 3161.38 points, followed by Belgium with 2948.16 points, and Australia in third position with 2906.22 points.
In the women’s category, the Netherlands holds the first spot with 3583.05 points, Argentina is in second position with 2927.38 points, and Germany is in third position with 2831.99 points.
In Africa, South Africa is ranked first in the men’s category and 14th in the world with 1912.96 points. Egypt is in second position and 17th in the world with 1712.31 points, while Ghana is in third position and 34th in the world with 1139.03 points.
In the women’s category, South Africa is ranked first and 18th in the world with 1499.65 points, Ghana is in second position and 31st in the world with 994.59 points, while Kenya is in third position and 33rd in the world with 977.46 points.
