Midfielder Deepika scored the all-important goal in the 40th minute after the two teams failed to break the deadlock in the first period at the Llyod Elsmore Hockey Stadium.
The Indians showed good temperament and defended stoutly to deny USA, who have made the London Olympics cut.
The Indian defence and midfield displayed a compact game as Joydeep Kaur, Ausnta Lakra, Deepika and Ritu Rani made timely interceptions.
Credit should also go the India's custodian Yogita Bal, who made some splendid saves and was declared as the best goalkeeper of the tournament. PTI SSC