Li Quanhai has been elected World Sailing's new president, the global governing body announced on Sunday.

The 58-year-old becomes the first Chinese to hold the office, with his term lasting until 2024.

After two candidates were eliminated in a first round of voting, Li topped the poll with 68 votes ahead of incumbent president Kim Andersen of Denmark (60).

Li, the director-general of China's National Olympic Sports Center and the former secretary-general and vice-president of the Chinese Yachting Association, said that he will work hard to make sailing more exciting and easier to participate in.

Li had previously served on World Sailing's board of directors for eight years, and CEO David Graham said: "The future of World Sailing is in very capable hands and I look forward to working with our new board."