Indian men's Hockey team secures Olympic berth, defeating France

Finally Indian men's hockey team has got much coveted ticket to London Olympics. With its emphatic 8-1 victory over France in the final of Olympic qualifiers played at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi last night Indian team has shown its form at the right time.

With this dazzling victory Indian team has qualified for Olympics after eight years. This impressive victory could be a turning point for Indian hockey. India's renowned drag-flicker Sandeep Singh scored five goals, including a hat trick. With this fiver Sandeep Singh became highest scorer with 16 goals in his name.

Both India and France got seven penalty corners each, but France failed to convert even a single penalty while Indian side converted six. Indian scored its first goal after 17 minutes after that the Indian team never gave visitors a chance to level it. Playing on its home turf Indian Men's hockey team beautifully responded to the prayers and support of the people who are there to cheer up the team. India scored three goals in first half and five goals in the second to seal the victory that enables it to play London Olympics. Besides electric display of Sandeep Singh, the other scroers for Indian team were Birendra Lakra, SV Sunil and VR Raghunath.

This win had earned flurry accolades and awards from various bodies including hockey India. Some state governments have also announced cash awards for the team.