Indian national football team (Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)
The Indian national team has moved up 31 ranks in the latest FIFA World Ranking to claim the best ranking in over two decades.
India is now ranked a joint 101st in the world (11th in Asia) along with Nicaragua, Lithuania and Estonia, ahead of countres such as Canada, New Zealand and DPR Korea.
India’s highest FIFA World Ranking so far has been 94th which was attained in February 1996, while India were ranked 99th in November 1993 and 100th in October 1993, December 1993 and April 1996.
Speaking on the achievement AIFF President Praful Patel said to AIFF Media: “This is a great achievement and a fruitful reward for the hard work displayed by the team and the support staff on a regular basis. We at AIFF look forward to support the team and the coach (Stephen Constantine) in their endeavors to ensure sustained growth of Indian football.”
Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF, congratulated the team saying: “The AIFF is committed to provide the best of exposure and facilities for the National Team in the form of arranging International Friendlies and preparatory Camps. We are delighted to achieve this milestone and hope to display the same character in our coming matches.”
Meanwhile, Brazil moved to the top of the FIFA World Ranking after a seven-year hiatus. Argentina (2nd), Germany (3rd), Chile (4th), Colombia (5th), France (6th), Belgium (7th), Portugal (8th), Switzerland (9th) and Spain (10th) complete the Top 10 of the latest rankings.
The next FIFA World Ranking will be published on May 4, 2017.
(Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)