Why did Mary Kom resign as India's Chef de Mission for Paris Olympics 2024?

On March 21, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appointed legendary boxer Mary Kom as the Indian contingent’s Chef de Mission for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. However, she stepped down from the role a few weeks later, citing personal reasons.

Notably, the London Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer had expressed her decision to step down to the Chef de Mission with the IOA President PT Usha, the Union Sports Ministry, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) via email. Six-time winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan was chosen as her deputy.

"I consider it an honor to serve my country in every way possible, and I was mentally prepared for it. However, I regret that I will not be able to uphold the prestigious responsibility and would like to resign, owing to personal reasons,” Mary Kom wrote.

"It is embarrassing to retreat from a commitment, which I seldom do, but I am left with no choice. I am there to cheer on my country and the athletes competing in this Olympic Games, with great expectations," she added.

In response, the IOA President PT Usha was quick to respond with a statement, calling for respect for the legendary boxer’s decision and her privacy.

"We are sad that Olympic medal-winning boxer and chairperson of the IOA Athletes Commission Mary Kom has stepped down citing personal reasons. We respect her decision and her privacy," PT Usha said in a statement.

IOA confirmed London Olympics bronze medallist shooter Gagan Narang as Mary Kom’s replacement for the role. IOA also revealed that PV Sindhu and Achanta Sharath Kamal would be India's flagbearers at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024.

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

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What is Chef de Mission?

Chef de Mission directly translates from French to “Head of Mission”. This individual will be the person in charge of a national team at an international sports event like the Olympics. The selected person will be responsible for the whole contingent’s well-being.

Chef-de-Mission’s roles include serving the contingent as a mentor, supporter, and cheerleader, inspiring them to enhance the athletes’ performance. In short, it is an important administrative post responsible for ensuring the welfare of the participating athletes.

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