Incumbent International Olympic Committee(IOC) President Thomas Bach is set for a second term at helm of the world body. IOC officials have confirmed the he will run unopposed for the office in next year’s elections.

Bach succeeded the then outgoing president Jacques Rogge in 2013 after defeating five other candidates in an election in Buenos Aires.

“The members of the IOC were informed today that President Thomas Bach will be the only candidate for the presidential election, which will be held during the 137th IOC Session in Athens in March 2021,” the IOC said in a statement.

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Bach pioneered a string of reforms in 2014 that were designed to reduce the cost and size of the Olympics, as potential host cities were scared away by the financial implications of hosting the mega event. He also faced the flak for the 2014 Sochi Olympics doping scandal that led to Russia being banned in 2018

He has been a member of the IOC since 1991.

Presidents are limited to two terms in office under the rules of the body. The length of the first presidential term is eight years with re-election securing another four years in office