French hockey players bereaved

The three Genestet brothers in the French hockey team took the field Friday against higher-ranked Canada in the 2012 London Olympics men’s qualifying tournament in most unusual circumstances. They had lost their father Christophe on the eve of the match.

The mood in the camp was down after the news reached Delhi Thursday night.

But instead of being crestfallen, Christophe’s sons Tom, Hugo and Martin and his nephew Fedric Verrier inspired the team to a 1-1 draw against Canada, which brightened the French team’s chances of making the Olympics for the first after the 1972 Munich Games.

Canadian captain Ken Pereira offered flowers to the three Genestet brothers before the start of the match.

Christophe was a renowned figure in French hockey, and was an influential member of the St. Germain-en-Laye Hockey Club.

French captain Arnaud Becuwe said it was not easy for the Genestet brothers and Verrier to take the field.

“It was tough for them to take the field. Christophe played a crucial role in shaping their careers. But the win has come at a right time. We dedicate the win to Christophe and offer our condolences to the Genestet family,” he said.