India's women's hockey team has reached fifth in the world rankings, a rebound after missing Olympic qualification and being relegated in league play.

The turnaround is credited to generational change combined with a rebuilt defensive structure, with points taken off higher-ranked sides in recent international competition.

Hockey has historically been one of India's strongest sports, though the women's game is regarded as having developed its base later.

The team has set an Asian Games gold medal as its goal. China, Japan and Korea are seen as the principal regional rivals.

Rankings accumulate from results and move often in the short term. Still, a rise within two years of relegation is read as evidence of changed management rather than a wider base.