Indian Hockey Team out of Olympics for the first time in 80 years

For the first time in 80 years, Indias dream of qualifying for the Olympic were dashed last evening when Britain defeated it 2-0 in the final of the World Hockey qualifying tournament at the Prince of Wales Country Club.

Santiago (Chile), Mar 10 : For the first time in 80 years, India's dream of qualifying for the Olympic were dashed last evening when Britain defeated it 2-0 in the final of the World Hockey qualifying tournament at the Prince of Wales Country Club.

The setback also prompted India's hockey coach Joaquim Carvalho to step down along with his support staff.

Eight time gold medalists India, who needed to win the six-team competition to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, to be held in August, failed to make it to the Olympics.

In the fourth minute, Barry Middleton converted Ashley Jackson's cross from close range, and Richard Mantell added the second goal in the 10th minute from the first penalty corner to emerge winners and clinched a berth for the 2008 Beijing Olympics for their team.

Britain, who had beaten India 3-2 in the league, capitalized on the two early chances that came their way.

However, the Indians did blow away five penalty-corners. Neither Ramachandra Raghunath, with his drag-flicks nor Dilip Tirkey, with his direct hits was able to convert it into goals.

ANI