European Games: Judoka Natalie Powell confident ahead of Baku

Natalie Powell became Wales' first ever Commonwealth Games judo gold medallist in 2014

Welsh judoka Natalie Powell says she is confident ahead of the inaugural European Games, which will be staged in Azerbaijan in June.

The Commonwealth Games champion made history when she became the first Great Britain finalist to reach the final of a World Judo Masters.

Powell, 24, claimed silver in the -78kg category in Morocco and now has her sights on the Baku Games.

"My confidence is building every day," Powell said.

"Obviously the Masters has given me a massive boost and now I know I can beat the best girls in the world."

Powell created history at Glasgow 2014 by securing Wales' first Commonwealth Games gold medal in judo with victory over England's Gemma Gibbons.

She created further history in Rabat last week by becoming the first Great Britain finalist in a World Judo Masters.

Powell came through three rounds before losing to London 2012 Olympic champion Kayla Harrison of the United States in the final.

"I was really made up to get the silver medal and beat so many people that I haven't beaten before," Powell added.

"I knew I could do it. It was actually getting out there and doing it and now I know I can do it."