Indian men's hockey team qualifies for Olympics, trounces France 8-1
Indian men's hockey team booked an Olympic berth for the first time in eight years. Eight-time champions India are back in the Games with a 8-1 drubbing of France in the final of the 2012 London Olympic men's hockey qualifiers at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The Indian men's hockey team on Sunday proved that they are no longer intimidated by their European opponents.
Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, who was a part of the team that lost the qualifiers in 2008, starred scoring five goals - including a hat-trick - all from penalty corners (19th, 26th, 38th, 49th and 51st). Birendra Lakra (17th), S.V. Sunil (43rd) and V.Raghunath (55th) scored goals apiece. Sandeep, who had promised to score at least 12 goals in the tournament, remained the top scorer with 16 goals.