Indian women beat Japan 3-1 in the summit clash to win the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Series Finals in Hiroshima today.
Indian men won the FIH Series Finals in Bhubaneswar recently. And the women emulated their success in Hiroshima today.
Gurjit Kaur scored two goals while captain Rani Rampal gave India early lead.
Gurjit converted a penalty corner in the 60th minute and earlier found the breakthrough for India in the 45th minute from a beautiful drag flick into the top corner.
Captain Rani Rampal scored from its first penalty corner to give India early lead in the third minute. Later Kanon Mori equalised for Japan.
In a desperate measure, Japan took off its goalkeeper in the 57th minute for an extra outfield player, but to of no avail.
India secured its berth in the final Olympic qualifiers with a win over Chile in the semifinal.
Currently ranked No. 9 in the world, today's win will now improve India's rankings before the September cut-off to ensure a weaker opponent for the Olympic qualifiers to be held later this year.
Earlier, India registered a 4-2 victory after a tough battle with Chile in the semifinal on Saturday.
Japan emerged victor after taking Russia to a shoot-out in the semifinal. Locked 1-1 after regulation time, Japan pipped Russia 3-1 in the shootout to set up the summit clash with India.
