Tokyo: The Indian women's hockey team defeated lower-ranked South Africa 4-3 in the final Pool A match and qualified for quarterfinals after Ireland lost to Great Britain in the Olympics here on Saturday.
Vandana Katariya (4th, 17th, 49th minutes) scored a hat-trick while young Neha Goyal (32nd) was the other goal-getter for India.
South Africa's goals came from the sticks of Tarryn Glasby (15th), skipper Erin Hunter (30th) and Marizen Marais (39th).
With two wins from their final two pool matches, India finished the group stages in fourth place with six points from five games.
India's fate depended on the outcome of the last Pool A match between Great Britain and Ireland which the Irish women lost 0-2.
Ireland needed a win to seal their place in the quarterfinals.
India will play Pool B toppers Australia in the quarterfinals on Monday.
