Igali, a Liberal candidate, was defeated by the NDP's Harry Bains in the riding of Surrey-Netwon.
"I want to say I'm sorry," Igali told supporters at his campaign headquarters after conceding the race Tuesday night.
"After living here [in Canada], after all I accomplished, I felt I had a social responsibility. I am humbled by this show of loyalty and love."
Liberal candidate Daniel Igali lost his bid to win the B.C. riding of Surrey-Newton on Tuesday. (CP File Photo)
Even with Igali's defeat, British Columbians returned Premier Gordon Campbell's Liberals to power with a majority government.
Igali, 31, knew winning in the ethnically-diverse Surrey-Newton would be a challenge. Bains holds close ties to the Indo-Canadian community which makes up almost half the voters in the area.
Bains, a longtime union activist, captured about 55 per cent of the popular vote, while Igali received around 36.5 per cent.
Igali was one of Campbell's star candidates for the B.C. election. The Olympic wrestler galvanized Canadians during the 2000 Sydney Games when he won a gold medal and celebrated by kneeling on the mat to kiss the Maple Leaf.
Igali said he would consider running for office again.
with files from Canadian Press
