The man who headed the Mongolian Judo Association since 2006 came out on top of a second vote for the Democratic Party against main rival Miyeegombyn Enkbold of the Mongolian People’s Party.

Battulga received 50.61 per cent of the votes in the run-off which was required after none of the three candidates in contention had an overall majority in the original count last month.

Following this, Sainkhuugiin Ganbaatar of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party dropped out of the election, which has been marred by unproven corruption allegations, after he refused to recognise the result.

After today’s inauguration of Battulga, who replaces Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj as President, Vizer congratulated the 54-year-old on behalf of the IJF.

“Mr Battulga has led the Mongolian Judo Association with great leadership and passion and I wish him every success as the head of state in Mongolia,” Vizer added.

“I congratulate Mr Battulga on all his success in business and sport and we all look forward to seeing the Mongolian judo team in action at our World Championships next month in Budapest, Hungary.”

During Battulga’s tenure as Mongolian Judo Association President, the country won its first Olympic gold when Naidangiin Tuvshinbavar claimed the men’s 100 kilogram title at Beijing 2008.