“I am reminded of my hay days at the Olympics” - India’s Chef de Mission Gagan Narang as he arrives in the Olympic village ahead of Paris 2024
India’s Chef de Mission Gagan Narang has arrived at the Olympic Village in the French capital - Paris, ahead of the Summer Olympics 2024 starting July 26.
Narang is a four-time Olympian and a bronze medalist winner in shooting at the 2012 London Olympics. He is taking care of and greeting the Indian contingents arriving in Paris along with Deputy Chef de Mission Shiva Keshavan.
“I arrived here in Paris on Thursday night and have taken stock of the arrangements inside the Games Village for the Indian contingent. Archery and Rowing were the first Indian teams to arrive on Friday and have comfortably checked in. The athletes are slowly settling in and exploring the Village,” said Gagan Narang.
Being at the Olympic Village brings back some fond memories for Narang, who has experienced this environment before as a player. But coming this time as a Chef De Mission comes with its own set of challenges.
“The mood is certainly upbeat... Surely, I am reminded of my hay days at the Olympics as an athlete. While there is a lot of excitement, athletes will also want to get some game time in the competition arenas. We want to make sure the athletes’ have everything they need ahead of the start of their respective events,” added Narang.
"It is a matter of great honor for me” - Gagan Narang on being appointed as India’s Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics 2024
Gagan Narang replaced Indian veteran boxer Mary Kom, who was initially slated to take the role of India’s Chef-de-Mission at the Paris Olympics 2024. However, Kom’s resignation saw the former Indian shooter take up the position.
The 41-year-old is excited to play a part in India’s Olympic campaign once again, but in a different capacity.
"It is a matter of great honor for me to travel with the Indian contingent as the Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics. I express my heartfelt gratitude for considering me for the role and giving me a chance to once again serve my country on the sports' biggest stage," Narag expressed.
Having represented India at four Summer Olympics, Narang certainly knows what the athletes need during this time, and he aims to make sure that everyone’s requirements are fulfilled.
"As an athlete myself, I fully understand the requirements of elite athletes at the world’s greatest sporting extravaganza. I will work strenuously to motivate and inspire the Indian contingent while also safeguarding their priorities to perform at their optimum. I am delighted to have the opportunity to play the role of the primary liaison between our athletes, the organizing committees, and other relevant stakeholders during the Games and will ensure a smooth and efficient process," he continued.
Narang further highlighted the role each stakeholder plays to ensure that there is sync between everyone involved and that no request is being ignored. Recently, there has been a lot of backlash from some Olympic-bound players towards IOA for prioritizing star players’ needs.
However, Gagan Narang mentioned that all efforts have been put to accommodate the needs of every player.
“There has been unprecedented coordination between all the stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the National Sports Federations (NSFs), and the IOA. Everyone is synced up with the personal coaches and the various support staff traveling with the athletes to ensure everything is aligned and there are no last-minute shortcomings. Efforts have been made to accommodate requests from federations and players put in time before the deadlines to accommodate necessary personal coaches and support staff,” Gagan Narang concluded.