The Mongolian National Olympic Committee has reported the death of their vice president Tsend Damdin at the age of 61 ©MNOC

The Mongolian National Olympic Committee (MNOC) has reported the death of their vice president Tsend Damdin at the age of 61.

Paying tribute, the governing body said Damdin was an "influential leader" in sport and Olympism. 

An accomplished athlete, he won a judo silver medal in the men's under-65 kilograms class at the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games.

He also won a World Championship title in sambo in Barcelona in 1979, and earned the "falcon" high title in national wrestling.

Tsend Damdin won an Olympic silver medal in judo ©MNOC
Tsend Damdin won an Olympic silver medal in judo ©MNOC

Damdin had served as vice president of MNOC since 2005 and was secretary general between 1999 and 2004.

He was secretary general of the Mongolian Judo Federation, an international referee for the International Judo Federation and a coach for the country's national team.

In addition, he held the role of Professor at the Mongolian National University of Physical Education and Sports.

He was the father of three children, including judoka son Damdin Suldbayar who competed at the Athens 2004 Olympics.