BUENOS AIRES — German Thomas Bach was yesterday elected to the most powerful position in sport, beating out five others including Singapore’s Ng Ser Miang to become the ninth President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The 59-year-old, the first Olympic gold medallist to become President, succeeded Mr Jacques Rogge, who steps down after completing his maximum 12-year mandate. After Taiwan’s Wu Ching-kuo was eliminated in the first round of voting — he lost to Mr Ng in a vote-off after both were tied — Mr Bach won a clear majority in the next round with 49 votes, ahead of Puerto Rico’s Richard Carrion (29), Mr Ng (6), Switzerland’s Denis Oswald (5) and Ukraine’s Sergey Bubka (4).

“This is an overwhelming sign of trust,” said Mr Bach. “I want to lead the IOC according to my motto ‘unity in diversity’, I want to be a President for all.” He will serve an initial term of eight years, which is renewable once for four years.

Mr Bach’s victory ensures that the European stranglehold of the IOC presidency continues. American Avery Brundage served between 1952 and 1972, and remains the only non-European head of the IOC.

Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean congratulated Mr Ng on a well-run campaign. “Ser Miang strongly believes in the Olympic Movement and has a deep passion for Olympism ... I am confident he will continue to contribute to the growth of sport in Singapore and sport development internationally,” Mr Teo said.

Mr Ng, 64, said he ran for the presidency as he was concerned by the challenges facing world sport. “President Bach shares my concerns, and I know the Olympic Movement is in good shape with him at the helm. I am a big believer in the Olympic Movement ...and I will continue to serve all to the best of my abilities,” he added.