VALENCIA , Dec 17: India clinched the inaugural FIH Women’s Nation’s Cup title with a 1-0 win over Spain in the summit clash here on Saturday.
The win confirmed India’s berth in the 2023-24 Pro League.
Gurjit Kaur scored the all-important goal in the sixth minute from the penalty corner as the Commonwealth Games bronze medalists ended the eight-nation tournament with five wins on the trot.
The Janneke Schopman-coached side had beaten Ireland 2-1 via shootout in the semifinals here on Friday.
India were ranked a spot below Spain (seventh) in the FIH chart.
By virtue of winning the Nations Cup, the Indian team has been promoted to the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League, a key event ahead of next year’s Asian Games and 2024 Paris Olympics.
India and Spain had played in the FIH women’s Hockey Pro League 2021-22 season as replacement teams after pull-outs by Australia and New Zealand sue to COVID-19 related issues.
India had finished a creditable third in the 2021-22 FIH Pro League. The country has not qualified for the ongoing 2022-23 Pro League season. (PTI)
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