Their older brother Martin, too, was part of the team back then, and the trio had lost their father Christophe just days before the match.
France’s victory over China on Monday that earned them a quarterfinal spot in their first World Cup in 28 years was a moment to cherish for each of their players.
For a couple of them, though, it meant a whole lot more. Brothers Hugo Genestet and Tom Genestet still vividly recollect the final 2012 Olympic qualifier encounter against India in New Delhi in February.
Their older brother Martin, too, was part of the team back then, and the trio had lost their father Christophe just days before the match.
The shell-shocked brothers, however, collectively decided to stay back and play for their country. They felt it’s what their father, who was himself a hockey player, would’ve wanted them to do.
India thrashed France in that game to make the cut for the 2012 London Olympics but six years down the line, two of the three Genestet brothers have ensured they fulfilled their father’s wish in the same country they were in when he passed away.
“It was my father’s dream to see their sons play in big competitions like the World Cup or the Olympics. He must be proud now up there, I’m sure,” the 26-year-old Hugo said.
What makes the occasion more emotional for the Genestet brothers is the presence of their mother in the stands here for the World Cup. Martin, who is retired now, couldn’t make it due to his work commitments.
“It’s special, especially for my mom. It is very bold of her to come here six years later.
“Actually, that is what has got Tom and me here too. It’s strength more than weakness,” Hugo said, his voice choking.
Strength is what drove the brothers in 2012 when they heard about their father’s death four days before they were to step out on the field to play one of the most important matches of their careers.
“It was really hard. We didn’t sleep for four nights before the game, because we were all the time thinking about that (father’s death). We didn’t know if we have to come back for the burial. We were confused,” Hugo recollected.
“We played the game without really having any energy. We played because it was an important Olympic qualifier, and we had to play it. But the head was just not there,” he added.
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 "Hugo Genestet and Tom Genestet")
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