Czarnecki had campaigned to unseat the incumbent but opted to pull out of the running for the Presidency during his address to the POC members.

Kraśnicki, the head of the POC since 2010, will serve a fresh four-year term at the helm of the organisation.

According to reports in Poland, the 68-year-old had the backing of 33 sports organisations across Poland, including representatives from 22 Olympic sports.

The POC President said he did not embark on a public campaign to ensure he was re-elected out of respect for the other candidate.

He targeted increased development of Polish sport and maintaining the financial stability of the POC as two of his main goals.

"I did not campaign for three reasons," Kraśnicki said. 

"First and foremost, for the respect of the delegates who should find out directly from me about all my plans. 

"And secondly, respect for the counter-candidate, who I did not want to attack.

"Thirdly, I am a sports man, not a politician. 

"I did not see the need to promote my person."

It is claimed Czarnecki, a British-born Polish politician and a member of the European Parliament, only had the support of the Polish Volleyball Federation.

He told Polish news agency PAP that he withdrew to show the "unity" within the POC.

"Not all supported me and those who just liked my ideas, not necessarily opting for me as President, convinced me that the unity of the Polish Olympic community was important and the decision to resign my candidacy would strengthen the POC," said Czarnecki.

"That convinced me."