South Korea had performed impressively throughout the competition, opening with a 53-14 victory over India.

Their success story continued with a 33-20 win against China before they beat Kazakhstan 45-24.

Japan had a better goal difference going into the decisive match following a 54-17 win over India and a 50-28 success against Kazakhstan, with a 35-18 victory over China.

It meant that Japan needed only a draw in the last match, as they raced into a 5-1 lead before the Koreans started to hit back.

They did it so effectively that they led 15-14 at half-time and maintained their slender advantage in the second half.

Boeun Gim scored six goals, while Ryu Eun-Hee netted four for South Korea.

In the closing minutes goalkeeper Joe-un Park performed superbly to maintain the advantage for his team.

South Korea join hosts France and European champions Norway in sealing their places at next year's Olympics in women's handball.

It is the 11th time they have qualified for an Olympic women's finals competition.

The Olympic handball tournament is scheduled to begin on July 25 2024 with the early stages at the Paris Sud 6 Arena, before the finals are due to be held at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille.