Mary Kom resigns as India's chef-de-mission for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024

Veteran boxer and 2012 Olympic Games bronze medalist MC Mary Kom on Friday has resigned from the post of chef-de-mission of the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics 2024, citing personal reasons.

Also Read: India at Olympics: India's medals at the Olympics by sports

Mary Kom, who was appointed as the Chef-de-Mission of India's Paris Olympics 2024 contingent last month, has written a letter to PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), requesting her to be relieved from the post. "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. 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," Mary Kom stated in her letter to the IOA President.

The IOA had announced the officials for the Paris Olympics 2024 on March 21, starting on July 26. Mary Kom was selected as the Chef de Mission, with Shiva Keshavan named as her deputy. The Chef de Mission is the most important administrative member of a country's contingent in any Olympics. The person remains in touch with the organizing committee and is responsible for arranging all the facilities related to the athletes. Even in case of any dispute, the post represents the players.

The IOA chief acknowledged receiving a letter from MC Mary Kom and said a replacement would be named after proper consultation. PT Usha said, "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. I shall make the appropriate consultations and soon make an announcement about the replacement for Mary Kom." Usha said she had a conversation with Mary Kom after receiving her letter. I completely understand her request and respect her decision. I have also conveyed to her that she will always have my own support and that of IOA. I also request everyone to respect the legendary boxer's privacy,"

Also Read: From Abhinav Brinda to PV Sindhu: Every First for India at Olympics

The 41-year-old boxer has represented the country in two editions of the Olympic Games, the 2012 London Olympics and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 Games in London but missed out on a medal at the Tokyo Games. Mary, 41, is no longer eligible in Olympic-style boxing because rules prevent anyone aged 40 and older from competing.

The Paris Olympics 2024 is scheduled to be held in France from July 26 to August 11.