New Delhi, Aug 5 - India will start its title defence of the Nehru Cup as the fourth-highest ranked in the six-team tournament.

According to the latest FIFA rankings released Wednesday, India dropped nine places to 156th spot. India suffered the big drop in rankings because they haven't played any international matches since January, when they lost 1-2 to Hong Kong in a friendly match.

Among other participating teams, Syria moved up one place to the 95the spot while Thailand remained at the 117th spot. Lebanon also gained three places and are at 148th place, Sri Lanka moved up six places to tied 156th with India while Kyrgyzstan retained their 160th spot.

India, 2008 AFC Challenge Cup champions, also slipped nine places to 30 in the continental rankings

The Indian team is currently practicing at the Nou Camp in Barcelona. The Nehru Cup will give them a chance to improve their rankings and also prepare for the 2011 Asian Cup in Doha.