The Gambia Athletics Association President secured 21 of the 40 votes at the GNOC Congress in Bakau, beating rivals Pa Alieu Jallow and Lamin King Colley who received eight and 11 respectively.

He replaces Momodou Dibba, who prior to the elections confirmed he was not going to run for the post after serving two terms.

Capi thanked delegates for their trust and confidence in him, saying his election was a result of their belief and commitment towards the improvement of the Gambia's National Sports Associations and their vision to have individuals and sports teams compete at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

He claimed that it is now time for all of them to come together and work for national sports development, particularly that of the athletes in collaboration with Government.

According to Capi, the GNOC will continue to work with the Gambia Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Gambia National Sports Council (NSC) and other stakeholders.

"It is only through collaboration that our sports will develop and the name of our beloved country will soon be a force in the international sporting arena," he told The Point.

The outgoing Dibba expressed appreciation for his former executive, staff, National Sports Associations, NSC and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their collaboration and support.

He also took time to recognise the efforts of Gambian athletes at Rio 2016 and spoke of his willingness to work with Capi and his executive in a bid to ensure that Gambia is represented by at least 10 athletes at Tokyo 2020.

The country, which made its debut in the Olympics at Los Angeles 1984, was represented by four athletes in athletics, judo and swimming at Rio 2016. 

Gambia has never won a medal at the Olympics. 

Speaking to reporters shortly after the election, King Colley, described Capi as a soft man and claimed the election was not transparent. 

The Congress also saw International Olympic Committee member Beatrice Allen re-elected unopposed as first vice-president and Lamin Kabba Bajo and Abdoulie MB Jallow take up the posts of second vice-president and secretary general respectively.

Ousman Abou Wadda, meanwhile, was re-elected unopposed as treasurer with David Haffner, Anthony Tabbal and Bai Dodou Jallow all becoming representatives of Olympic sport.

Mary Samba Christensen, Momodou Drammeh and Harriet Ndow were nominated as executive members in accordance with the GNOC constitution, while Jonny Gomez and Adama Jammeh were also co-opted into the GNOC Board.