Gagan Narang replaces Mary Kom as India’s Chef-de-Mission, PV Sindhu set to be female flag bearer

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 Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” she added.

In April, Mary Kom had resigned as the Chef de Mission citing ‘problems’ that have ‘partly crippled’ her. Her decision came weeks after the IOA had chosen the boxing legend for the post.

In a letter to IOA President PT Usha, the Union Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India, the London Olympics bronze medallist had said: “It is embarrassing for me to retreat from a pronounced commitment, which I seldom do, but I am left with no choice.”

The IOA, on March 21, announced contingent officials for the Paris Olympics, which begin on July 26. While Mary was chosen as the chef de mission, winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan was named her deputy.

In her letter, Mary had expressed her ‘heartfelt gratitude’ for putting faith in her. ”I considered it an honour to serve my country in every way possible and I was mentally prepared for it.”

She added: “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.”

Mary said she had searched for ‘several alternative means to cover my place’. “But it is getting tougher for me to leave my family behind at this point, even for a short while. My presence is much needed here,” she said. “Having stated the abovementioned facts, though I am unable to put them transparently and vividly, I humbly request you take into consideration my plea to step down as Chef de Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics.”