The Netherlands men's hockey team overtook Germany to claim first place in the FIH rankings ©Getty Images

As the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Pro League returns after the 2023 Men's World Cup, the rankings received a huge shake-up after a few upsets with the Netherlands taking the number one spot.

The Dutch side climbed to first with 2,848 points after former leaders Germany dropped points against India and Australia in the Rourkela mini-tournament, with Belgium also moving to second with 2,846.

Germany fell to third with 2,752 points, with the teams that beat them India and Australia, in fourth and fifth with 2,689 and 2,576 points respectively.

India's run of three wins and one shoot-out win helped them to climb two spots, causing England who have 2,536 points to fall to sixth, while Argentina and Spain maintain their places in seventh and eighth respectively.

South Korea take ninth, while New Zealand completes the top 10.

The Netherlands women's team remains in first and 500 points above second-placed Argentina ©Getty Images
The Netherlands women's team remains in first and 500 points above second-placed Argentina ©Getty Images

In the women's rankings, the Netherlands are also atop the leaderboards, collecting 3,199 points and maintaining a comfortable lead over Argentina, who are in second with 2,640 points.

Australia remain in third place with 2,546 points as they secured three wins, four draws and only one loss at the start of their Pro League campaign.

Fourth to seventh are in a tight battle with only 100 points separating the teams, which are in the order of Germany on 2,260, England, also on 2,60, Belgium on 2,175 and Spain with 2,157.

India are in eighth place after featuring in the Nations Cup and claiming the title, with New Zealand and China finishing off the top 10, as they have 1,879 and 1,777 points respectively.