By Duncan Mackay

Gili Lustig (right) will replace Efraim Zinger (left) as secretary general of the Olympic Council of Israel ©OCI The Olympic Committee of Israel (OCI) has chosen Gili Lustig as its new secretary general to replace to replace Efraim Zinger, who is stepping down after 20 years in the role.


Lustig, director of Israel's Elite Sport Department since 1997, was chosen from a list of 18 candidates.

The 56-year-old is a former volleyball player and coached Israel's national team before helping establish the Center for the Development of Sport Giftedness at Wingate Institute.

"I really loved my previous position and I hope to build on that in this unique, special and desired role," he told The Jerusalem Post after being elected by the OCI's Selection Committee.

Zinger has decided to pursue new interests but plans to continue to sit on the European Olympic Committees Executive Committee. 

"I think any person who takes on a new role should build it around his character and skills," Lustig told the The Jerusalem Post.

"I think the Olympic Committee of Israel has sent out a message with my appointment that their top priority is the professional matters.

"But clearly, I will also have to perform roles I am less accustomed to and I will not be ashamed to ask for help if I feel I need it."

Lustig has already unveiled that he plans to stay for only six years. 

"I think that this role should be for two Olympics and I plan to pass on the baton after Tokyo 2020," he said.

"I think that the best answer to those who question my appointment is the congratulations and blessings I have received first and foremost from those in the field who told me that this was a great decision.

"The OCI highlighted continuity when it selected me and we really don't have that long until the Rio [2016] Games.

"All the international criteria have already been set and we can't waste time.

"We need to address the matters immediately."

Windsurfer Gal Fridman won Israel's only ever Olympic gold medal when he won at Athens 2004 ©Getty ImagesWindsurfer Gal Fridman won Israel's only ever Olympic gold medal when he won at Athens 2004 ©Getty Images

Israel failed to win a medal at London 2012 and their only gold came at Athens 2004 when Gal Fridman won the windsurfing. 

Lustig is hoping their fortunes will improve at Rio 2016. 

"First and foremost I hope we will have [a team of] between 35 and 40 athletes," he said.

"I also hope we can make our debut in several events, like golf, rowing and triathlon.

"Our second goal is to strengthen our teams in our stronger events.

"I hope our team in gymnastics can reestablish its place among the world's best and we also have a very strong judo side.

"I expect that we will have three female judokas in Rio after never sending more than one in previous Games.

"Sailing, of course, is also one of our main events and I'm also hoping that we will send a swimming relay team.

"It is very important to us to have top quality teams and not just individual athletes.

"One thing is for certain, we need to do our all to regain our place among the nations who win medals at the Olympics.

"I hope we can achieve that goal, but I can't say any more at this stage."

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