Zhang Haifeng was appointed to the role at the AFBF Congress ©IFBB

Newly-elected Asian Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (AFBF) chairman Zhang Haifeng has vowed to "make every effort to further develop" the sport in the region.

Zhang, also President of the Chinese Bodybuilding Association, was chosen for the role at the AFBF Congress in Harbin.

The well-respected Chinese official, who previously served as the first vice-president of the AFBF, replaces Ochir Ganbaatar, President of the Mongolian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.

Zhang had taken over from Ganbaatar on an interim basis after the Mongolian became a member of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Presidential office team which supports President Rafael Santonja.

Zhang Haifeng, left, has vowed to make every effort to further develop the sport in the region ©IFBB
Zhang Haifeng, left, has vowed to make every effort to further develop the sport in the region ©IFBB

"It’s an honour for me to become the chairman, a position of great responsibility," Zhang said in his address to the Congress.

"In the following years, with the help of every member of the AFBF, I will make every effort to further develop the cause of bodybuilding and fitness in Asia in response to your trust and support."

Santonja and the IFBB congratulated Zhang on his election.

The IFBB President delivered a video message to the AFBF Congress in the Chinese city and expressed his best wishes to the regional organisation.