Australia’s women’s 3×3 basketball team has qualified for the Paris Olympic Games, winning a tournament in Japan to book its ticket to France.
The Gangurrus won the FIBA 3×3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2 in Utsunomiya, Japan on Sunday, defeating Canada in the final.
Australia, who won the Asia Cup earlier this year, topped its group en route to the semifinals.
A narrow 18-16 win over Brazil sent the game to the decider, where the Gangurrus toppled second-seed Canada 19-16.
It will be the first time Australia is represented in 3×3 at the Olympics.
“I’m so, so proud of us. Like, as a group we work so hard,” Anneli Maley said after Australia secured the one qualification spot in the tournament.
“This was our only shot.
“We don’t get to go on the tours, we don’t get to do any of that stuff.
“And to come out here and play the way we did, I’m so, so proud.”
Australia started the tournament with a loss to the Netherlands before grinding out wins over Kenya and Canada to top Group B.
The Netherlands won the men’s tournament, also securing its place at this year’s Olympic Games.
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