Baku 2015 European Games

Azerbaijan wrestler revels in gold after being flag bearer at European Games

Published: June 15 2015 | 16:33

Last updated: June 15 2015 | 16:38

Mariya Stadnyk speaks of her pride after winning gold in the women's freestyle 48kg wrestling and being the flag bearer at the opening ceremony.

Azerbaijan wrestler Mariya Stadnyk was delighted to claim gold in the women's freestyle 48kg after flying her country's flag in the opening ceremony.

Stadnyk beat Bulgaria's Elitsa Yankova 4-1 in the final to claim her country's seventh gold medal of the tournament.

"I have never been so happy, so proud. To be a flag-bearer at the opening ceremony and then win a gold medal - it's impossible to express my feelings," said Stadnyk, as quoted on the official Baku 2015 website.

"The atmosphere was amazing. I have never for a moment regretted competing for Azerbaijan (she competed for her native Ukraine as a junior). I'm going to sing and dance to celebrate, and I can't wait to see my children."

Azerbaijan are currently second in the medals table, behind Russian Federation, who have nine golds overall.