Ri Jong Mu is the new President of the DPRK Olympic Committee ©OCA

Ri Jong Mu has been appointed the new President of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Olympic Committee to replace Kim Yong Un, it has been announced.

Ri, a 67-year-old lieutenant general in the North Korean ary, is known as a key sporting expert who previously served as Sports Minister between 2012 and 2014.

He returned to the post in January.

Ri has now officially replaced Kim in the DPRK Olympic Committee role following an Extraordinary Session of the NOC in Pyongyang.

The change was communicated to Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah by Son Kwang Ho, the organisation's vice-president and secretary general, the OCA said.

Kim Yong Un resigned from his position due to health reasons, they were told.

North Korean athletes parade during the Opening Ceremony of London 2012 ©Getty Images
North Korean athletes parade during the Opening Ceremony of London 2012 ©Getty Images

No more information about the leadership changes has been revealed by the world's most secretive state.

Vienna-based International Olympic Committee member Chang Ung remains a DPRK Olympic Committee vice-president, however.

The changes comes at an important time for North Korea's sports authorities.

The country is planning to bid to host World Junior Championships in judo and weightlifting over the next two years.

North Korea are also finishing their preparations for this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. 

At London 2012 they won six medals, four gold and two silver.