New Delhi: Four-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic Games men’s 10m Air Rifle bronze medalist Gagan Narang was on Monday chosen by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to replace Mary Kom as the Chef-de-Mission of the Indian contingent to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games beginning on July 26.
IOA President Dr P.T Usha on Monday said the 41-year-old Narang’s elevation from Deputy Chef-de-Mission’s position was an automatic choice in the wake of Mary Kom’s withdrawal.
“I was looking for an Olympic medalist to lead our contingent and my young colleague is an apt replacement for Mary Kom,” IOA President PT Usha said in a release.
She also revealed that PV Sindhu will accompany table tennis star Sharath Kamal as India’s female flag bearer in the Olympics.
“I am also delighted to announce that India’s only woman to win two Olympic medals, PV Sindhu, as the female Flag-bearer alongside Table Tennis ace A. Sharath Kamal in the opening ceremony,” Usha said.
“I am confident that our athletes are well prepared to deliver the best results for India in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” she added.
In April, Mary Kom stepped down from her role as the Chef de Mission, citing ‘problems’ that have ‘partly crippled’ her. This occurred weeks after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had appointed the boxing icon to the position. On March 21, the IOA announced the officials for the Paris Olympics, set to commence on July 26.
Shortly after this announcement, Mary Kom declared her inability to fulfil the role. The IOA deliberated for several days on a suitable replacement before deciding to elevate Narang to the position.
The Chef de Mission is the head of the Indian contingent at the Olympics, overseeing the overall leadership.
