Coe to be British Olympic Association chairman

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Sebastian Coe is to be elected unopposed as the next British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman after his only opponent withdrew from the contest.

Richard Leman, the head of British hockey, pulled out because he thought he would have no chance of winning, Xinhua reports.

Leman, an Olympic gold medal winner in men's hockey at the 1988 Seoul Games, said: "Recognising the unique circumstance in which we find ourselves in having the person who led the organisation and delivery of what is widely regarded as the most successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in history standing for election as our next chair, I have decided to put my full support behind Seb Coe and his candidacy."

Coe will be elected on Nov 7 to succeed Colin Moynihan as the BOA chief.

The 56-year-old Coe, the London Olympics chairman, announced on Sep 10 that he would like to be the successor to Moynihan, who announced last month he would be stepping down after seven years.

Coe won four Olympic medals, including the 1,500 metres gold at the Moscow (1980) and Los Angeles (1984) Games. He set eight outdoor and three indoor world records in middle-distance track events.