Hammershøi, who represented Denmark at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics, had already been chair of IBSA Europe since 2010 and was voted to lead the organisation at its General Assembly in Copenhagen today.

"It is very important to recognise the major advances that have taken place in recent years; however, it is even more important to acknowledge the fact that there is much work still to be done if IBSA is to become a truly relevant and beneficial force representing blind athletes worldwide," Hammershøi said.

"I place a high value on being able to draw out the best in people.

"But I also expect results - each member of the Executive Board will be reminded of their own responsibilities with regard to blind sports governance.

"I have a strong desire to build a dynamic team focused on meeting challenging objectives."

America's Joseph Walsh was elected as IBSA vice-president, while Henk van Aller of the Netherlands was named secretary general.

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