Russian Federation's Anna Vyakhireva has told of her delight after helping to guide her country to their first-ever Olympic gold medal in the women's handball following a 22-19 win over France in Rio.

Vyakhireva was in inspired form having top-scored for the Russians across the Olympics, before producing a standout performance in a closely-fought final on Saturday evening.

"I'm so happy, I think I'm the happiest woman in the world right now," said Vyakhireva, according to the official Rio 2016 website.

"We were the best team and we really believed in it, the whole group. It means everything for my sporting life. This is everything I have lived for."

Vyakhireva's five goals at the Olympics saw her notch a joint top-scorer honour alongside France's Allison Pineau and Siraba Dembele.