Yu Zaiqing

Yu Zaiqing of China was elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice president at the 120th IOC session in Beijing on Thursday.

IOC president Jacques Rogge announced the result after Yu won 84 of the 94 valid ballots.

"Thank you for choosing me. It is a great honor," said Yu who was the only candidate for the post left vacant by Sweden's Gunilla Lindberg.

"Under the guidance and support of IOC, I have worked for the preparation of the Beijing Olympic Games for several years. Now the Games are ready and the Chinese people are ready to deliver a successful Games," said the 57-year-old.

"I will spend more time and energy to promote the Olympics in my country," he said.

Yu, vice president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, became the second Chinese to the post after He Zhenliang.

The IOC general assembly also elected six executive board members, namely Denis Oswald of Switzerland, Rne Fasel of Switzerland, Mario Vazquez Rana of Mexico, newly elected Athletes Commission chairman Frank Fredericks of Namibia, Nawal El Moutawakel of Morocco and Richard Carrion of Puerto Rico.

Former Olympic pole vault champions Sergey Bubka of Ukraine and Ugur Erdener of Turkey were selected IOC members.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2008)