Mary Kom steps down as India's chef-de-mission for Paris Olympics 2024, citing personal reasons

Olympic medallist Mary Kom was appointed for Paris Olympics role on March 21.

Six-time world champion boxer MC Mary Kom has stepped down as India’s chef-de-mission for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, citing personal reasons. The celebrated pugilist, who was appointed to the role by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on March 21, announced her decision in a letter addressed to IOA President PT Usha.

“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 stated in her letter.

“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.

Usha expressed her sadness over Mary Kom’s decision but respected 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,” Usha said in a statement.

The IOA President assured that a replacement for Mary Kom as the chef-de-mission would be announced soon after appropriate consultations. “I shall make the appropriate consultations and soon make an announcement about the replacement for Mary Kom,” Usha stated.

Mary Kom, the 2020 Padma Vibhushan winner, was to be the logistical in-charge of the Indian contingent at the July 26-August 11 Paris Games.

“I completely understand her request and respect her decision. I have also conveyed to her that she will always have my support and that of IOA. I also request everyone to respect the legendary boxer’s privacy,” Usha said, revealing her conversation with Mary Kom.

“I shall make the appropriate consultations and soon announce the replacement for Mary Kom,” she further added.

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Meanwhile, the IOA has appointed six-time Winter Olympian and luger Shiva Keshavan as the deputy chef-de-mission for the Paris Games.

Veteran table tennis player and reigning Commonwealth Games champion Sharath Kamal will be India’s male flag-bearer, while a female flag-bearer is yet to be named as several quotas for the Games are still to be filled.

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