India book ticket to London Olympics, thump France 8-1 in qualifiers

Indian men's hockey team qualified for 2012 London Olympics as they thrashed France 8-1 in the final of the Olympic qualifying tournament at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. 

Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh scored five goals to almost single-handedly put India in the 2012 London Olympics. 

The hosts remained unbeaten in the entire tournament to somewhat erase the ignominy of missing out on the Beijing Olympics four years ago. 

Raghunath extended India's lead to 8-1 in the 56th minute with another goal through penalty corners. India had a field day during penalty corners as they converted six out of seven into goals - five by Sandeep Singh alone. 

Sandeep carried his good run to the summit clash as he scored his fifth and fourth goals in quick succession (49th and 51st). 

Sunil scored India's fifth goal in the 43rd minute after Sandeep completed his hat-trick in the 38th minute soon after the lemon-break. 

Sandeep scored hat-trick through penalty corners to lead the Indian attack. 

India opened their goal account with Birendra Lakra's first goal of the tournament in the 17th minute. 

Simon MARTIN-BRISAC scored a stunner in the 23rd minute to put back France in the game and reduce the margin to 1-2 before India replied with Sandeep's second three minutes later to lead 3-1 at the half-time. (Times of India)