Gagan Narang named Chef de Mission replacing Mary Kom; PV Sindhu to be India's female flagbearer

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Four-time Olympian and 2012 men's 10m Air Rifle bronze medalist Gagan Narang has been selected to replace Mary Kom as India's Chef-de-Mission for the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed this decision on Monday, July 8. Additionally, PV Sindhu has been confirmed as the female flagbearer for the event.

Mary Kom resigned from her position as Chef-de-Mission in April due to personal reasons. IOA President PT Usha announced Narang as her replacement, praising him as an apt choice for the role.

Usha also revealed that PV Sindhu, India's only woman to win two Olympic medals, will be the female flagbearer alongside table tennis star Sharath Kamal during the opening ceremony.

"I was looking for an Olympic medalist to lead our contingent, and my young colleague is an apt replacement for Mary Kom," said PT Usha.

"I am also delighted to announce that India's only woman to win two Olympic medals, PV Sindhu, as the female flagbearer alongside table tennis ace A. Sharath Kamal in the opening ceremony."

Initially, Narang was designated as the deputy Chef-de-Mission but has now been elevated to the main role. Usha expressed her confidence in the Indian athletes, believing they will deliver excellent results in Paris.

"I am confident that our athletes are well prepared to deliver the best results for India in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games," she added.

Reasons for Mary Kom's Step Away

Mary Kom shared that she was ready to take the position as Chef-de-Mission but had to step down owing to personal issues.

"I considered it an honour to serve my country in every way possible and I was mentally prepared for it."

"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, and would like to resign from the same, reasoning from the problems that have crippled me partly," said Kom.

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