Maria Vadeeva has been appointed as a Yekaterinburg 2023 ambassador ©Getty Images

Maria Vadeeva, the captain of Russia's women's basketball team, has been appointed as an ambassador of the Yekaterinburg 2023 International University Sports Federation (FISU) Summer World University Games.

The 23-year-old centre, who plays for local club UMMC Ekaterinburg, was presented with an ambassador's certificate and other gifts during a break in play as her side took on Dynamo Moscow.

UNMC won the match 91-58, with fans in attendance treated to a special digital quiz.

The winner, who correctly answered three questions, went home with prizes connected to the FISU Games.

Maria Vadeeva playing in the WNBA for Los Angeles Sparks ©Getty Images
Maria Vadeeva playing in the WNBA for Los Angeles Sparks ©Getty Images

Vadeeva, who previously played in the Women's National Basketball Association for Los Angeles Sparks, won the Under-19 World Cup with her country in 2017.

She joins other ambassadors who have been tasked with promoting Yekaterinburg 2023 and helping to popularise university sport.

They include David Belyavskiy and Angelika Timanina, Olympic champions in gymnastics and artistic swimming respectively, and Dakar Rally quad bike winner Sergei Karyakin.