The Spaniard had served in the role since 2005, having previously been the organisation's the general secretary, but following extensive heart surgery last May he has decided to reduce his workload.

Having informed members of the WDSF Presidium during a meeting in Barcelona he would not complete his third term as President, Hinder was appointed as his replacement.

The move comes in accordance with the governing body's statues, in which the first vice-president automatically assumes the position of President effective immediately.

International World Games Association President José Perurena offered his congratulations to Hinder on achieving the position, with the sport building towards next year's World Games in Wroclaw in Poland.

“We all know that Lukas works with passion and a lot of experience for WDSF,” he said.

“I am convinced that he will lead his federation in the best way and to the benefit of the organisation and especially for WDSF athletes.”

One of Hinder’s first moves as President was to nominate Canada’s Jim Fraser as his replacement as first vice-president, the lawyer being elected unopposed.

Additionally, Germany’s Michael Eichert was invited to take part in meetings of the five-member Managing Committee in order to lend his expertise to the role.

The meeting also saw discussions held regarding information and advice presented in studies commissioned by the WDSF last January, aimed at ensuring it remain compliant at their legal domicile in Switzerland and their branch office in Spain.

The WDSF revealed they would continue working with Lausanne-based law firm Kellerhals Carrard, who have provided preliminary advice to the organisation to help deliver the WDSF’s new global strategy, as they look to present a programme to the WDSF General Meeting to target rapid expansion of the sport.

It is hoped that the work will also help to reinforce good governance of the Federation in alignment with the International Olympic Committee’s Agenda 2020 strategic roadmap.