Described as one of the "most beloved" members of the sports movement in the Central American country, Beltranena Valladares served as President for 16 years between 1993 and 2009.

Other roles included vice president of the Pan American Sports Organization – now known as Panam Sports – and vice president of the Central American Sports Organization.

He was President of the Guatemalan Equestrian Association, President of the Guatemalan Olympic Academy and vice president of the Autonomous Sports Confederation of Guatemala.

In 2007, his work was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as he was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal.

Beltranena Valladares sat on the IOC's Commission for Olympic Culture and Education.

The COG said that he "excelled" as a sports leader.

"The family of the Guatemalan Olympic Movement says goodbye to one of its most beloved members, Dr. Fernando Antonio Beltranena Valladares, who will leave an indelible legacy in all the areas in which it developed," they said in a statement.

"His tireless work and contribution to the development of Guatemalan sports will be marked forever in the memory of athletes, coaches, leaders and all the people who were influenced by their contributions. 

"Dr. Fernando Beltranena was ahead on the road to eternity, but his praiseworthy heritage will remain intact for present and future generations.

"Beltranena will always be remembered for his substance, charisma, joy and vision of overcoming in favour of the development of Guatemalan sports. 

"Faced with such an irreparable loss, we show our sincere condolences to his wife María Mercedes Falla Cofiño and his children Francisco Fernando, María Mercedes, Ana Lucía, María Marta, Mariano, Martín, Pablo, Paulina and Cecilia María, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren."