Olympic medallist Gagan Narang has been named the Chef-de-Mission for India’s contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics, replacing boxing legend Mary Kom. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced this significant change on Monday.
Gagan Narang, renowned for his bronze medal win in the men’s 10m air rifle event at the London 2012 Olympics, steps into the role after Mary Kom, who secured a bronze in women’s boxing at the same Games, stepped down due to personal reasons.
“I was looking for an Olympic medalist to lead our contingent, and my young colleague is an apt replacement for Mary Kom,” stated IOA president PT Usha, highlighting the need for experienced leadership at the helm.
Initially, Mary Kom was appointed as India’s Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics in March. Meanwhile, Narang was initially assigned to lead the Indian shooting team. The role of Chef-de-Mission is pivotal, involving the management and well-being of athletes, acting as the primary liaison with organizing committees, and overseeing the entire contingent’s administrative responsibilities.
In addition to this administrative shift, the IOA also revealed the flag-bearers for the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. Two-time Olympic medallist in badminton, PV Sindhu, and 13-time Commonwealth Games medallist in table tennis, Sharath Kamal, will have the honor of leading India’s delegation.
“I am also delighted to announce that India’s only woman to win two Olympic medals, PV Sindhu, will be the female flag-bearer alongside table tennis ace Sharath Kamal in the opening ceremony,” added PT Usha.
This announcement marks a continued commitment to gender equality in the Indian Olympic contingent, following the precedent set at Tokyo 2020 where Mary Kom and hockey captain Manpreet Singh were the flag-bearers.
The role of the flag-bearer is symbolic and prestigious, representing the country at the forefront of the grand Opening Ceremony parade. They lead the delegation, proudly displaying the national flag and setting the tone for the country’s participation in the Games.
The Paris 2024 Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, promising a significant and exciting chapter in India’s sporting journey on the global stage.
