International Canoe Federation Vice President Luciano Buonfiglio has been elected as the new President of the Italian National Olympic Committee.
Mr Buonfiglio, who is the President of the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation (FICK), has secured a four-year term, running from 2025 to 2028.
The election took place today at the Giulio Onesti Olympic Acetosa Preparation Center in Rome, Italy.
Mr Buonfiglio was elected in the first round by the National Elective Council after obtaining 47 of the 81 votes.
He defeated Luca Pancalli, who received the other 34 votes, as well as Pierluigi Giancamilli, Carlo Iannelli, Franco Carraro and Mauro Checcoli. Giuseppe Macchiarola and Duccio Bartalucci withdrew from the race after their speech.
Giovanni Malago, who led CONI for 12 years, has been succeeded by Mr Buonfiglio but will remain as President of the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Mr Buonfiglio has been President of FICK for 20 years having previously been Vice President of the national governing body for canoeing in Italy from 2000 to 2005.
The 74-year-old was Treasurer of the ICF from 2009 to 2024 before being elected as Vice President last year.
As an athlete, Mr Buonfiglio represented Italy in Canoe Sprint at the Olympic Games Montreal 1976 and participated in five World Championships.
"Thank you Giovanni for what you have done in these 12 years,” said Mr Buonfiglio.
“First of all, I would like to underline the correctness of Luca Pancalli to whom I extend my affectionate greetings and I cannot fail to underline the presence of the IOC members here with us: an added value, Italy is a protagonist in the world and they represent us.
“A hug to the Presidents of the International Federations we must be aware of the skills at this table and we must commit ourselves to reaching the international boards, only if you are there can you be a protagonist.
“Now the facts await us, we will elect a particularly important Council.
“I invite you to vote with your brain even before your heart.”
Milan, Italy will be the host of this year's ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships from August 20 to 24.
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