The International Badminton Federation (IBF) has awarded the right to hold the 2007 World Championships to Kuala Lumpur, it announced in Beijing on Sunday. "Denmark and Malaysia had a fierce competition in the bid for hosting the 2007 World Championships. Through democratic procedures,the International Badminton Federation decided to award the right to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia," said Kang Young Joong, newly elected as president of the sport's world governing body Sunday morning.

It will be the first time since 1989 an Asian country hosts a badminton World Championships following the successful bid of Kuala Lumpur, becoming new headquarter of the IBF in October this year.

Europe has been hosting the world championships since 1989 until the 2005 version was awarded to California, United States.

The new IBF council also decided that Incheon of South Korea will play host to the 2006 junior world championships.

The IBF held the annual general meeting here Sunday morning, naming Punch Gunalan from Malaysia deputy presient and selecting six vice presidents as well as 17 council members.

The newly elected IBF officials will preside over the Sudirman Cup, to be held here through May 10 to 15.