Paris Olympics: Gagan Narang Replaces Mary Kom As India’s Chef-De-Mission

Four-time Olympian and 2012 men’s 10m air rifle bronze medallist Gagan Narang has been chosen to replace Mary Kom as India’s chef-de-mission for the 2024 Olympics, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed on Monday.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P.T. Usha announced on Monday that the 41-year-old Narang’s promotion from deputy chef-de-mission to chef-de-mission was a natural decision following Mary Kom’s resignation. P.V. Sindhu has also been confirmed as the female flagbearer for the Olympics.

Usha expressed her confidence in the Indian athletes, saying that she believes they will achieve outstanding results for the nation in Paris. “I am confident that our athletes are well prepared to deliver the best results for India at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games”, she said.

Mary Kom stepped down from her role as chef-de-mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics due to health issues.

“I considered it an honour to serve my country in every way possible and was mentally prepared for it,” Kom said. “However, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to uphold the prestigious responsibility conferred on me as chef-de-mission for the Paris Olympics 2024. I must resign from the position due to problems that have partly crippled me,” she said.

The Paris Olympics will begin on July 26 and continue until August 11.