Kulibayev, the son in law of the Central Asian nation's President Nursultan Nazarbayev, was selected unanimously to replace Temirhan Dosmuhambetov, who had occupied the role since 2006, at the body's Congress in Almaty.

He is also chairman of the Confederation of Combat and Power Sports and President of the Boxing Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as a vice-president of the International Boxing Association.

Speaking afterwards to delegates which included the Culture and Sports Minister Arystanbek Mukhamediuly, the official thanked all participants and emphasised the importance of upcoming tasks.

These include preparation for 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where Kazakhstan will be seeking an improvement on their London 2012 haul of seven gold, one silver and five bronze medals, a performance which put them 12th on the overall table.

But strengthening cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Association of National Olympic Committees, the Olympic Council of Asia, the "world's leading" National Olympic Committees and International Sport Federations were also cited as key priorities.

"Nowadays, progress is impossible without modern approaches, that means all of our aspirations should be based on innovation and proven best practices," Kulibayev added.

Former capital Almaty lost out to Beijing by just four votes in the race for the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics on July 31, with this aim to improve relations possibly being pledged with an eye to securing a future edition.

Having three Chinese members of the IOC was seen as an advantage for Beijing in comparison with Almaty, with no Kazakhstan members currently serving although it is possible one could be nominated next year. 

Among other main goals is outlined "transparency, enhancing the role of the National Federations and constant communication with them, close cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Sport, training of highly qualified professionals, and development of mass sport within the country".

He has also requested "that the Executive Committee to align the Charter of the NOC of Kazakhstan with recently adopted IOC Agenda 2020, by providing a long term development plan for the NOC".

As well as the election of Kulibayev, Timur Dossymbetov, Kairat Boranbayev, Almaty 2022 vice-chairman Andrey Kryukov and Askar Mammin were each appointed vice-president, while Daniyar Abulgazin was chosen as secretary general.

Related stories
September 2015: AIBA vice-president Kulibayev elected National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan President