Referring to ‘challenges’ that have ‘partially hindered’ her, Mary Kom stepped down as the Chef de Mission of India’s contingent on Friday. Her resignation follows the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appointing the boxing legend to the position a few weeks earlier.
In a letter addressed to IOA President PT Usha, the Union Sports Ministry, and the Sports Authority of India, the bronze medallist from the London Olympics stated, “It is embarrassing for me to retreat from a pronounced commitment, which I seldom do, but I am left with no choice.”
On March 21, the IOA unveiled the contingent officials for the upcoming Paris Olympics, scheduled to commence on July 26. Mary was appointed as the chef de mission, with winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan selected as her deputy.
However, with just over 100 days remaining until the Opening Ceremony, the IOA will now need to initiate the entire selection process anew.
Mary Kom’s statement
Government officials mentioned that Mary had initially hesitated to assume the role but eventually agreed after being persuaded by Usha and other government officials. In her letter, Mary conveyed her ‘sincere appreciation’ for the trust placed in her. ”I considered it an honour to serve my country in every way possible and I was mentally prepared for it.”
“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,” she added.
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Mary said she 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.”
The Chef de Mission holds the most significant administrative position within a contingent during a multi-discipline event. The CDM’s duties include ensuring the well-being of the athletes, coordinating with the organizing committee on various matters, and being prepared to handle any controversies that may arise.
Mary participated in the Tokyo Olympics, where she was eliminated in the round of 16. However, due to regulations prohibiting individuals aged 40 and above from competing in Olympic-style boxing, the 41-year-old is no longer eligible.
In addition to Mary and Keshavan, the IOA appointed London Olympics bronze medallist Gagan Narang, who also serves as an IOA vice-president, to oversee the operations of the shooting village.
In contrast to most sports events taking place in Paris and its surrounding areas, shooting will be hosted in Chateauroux, a town located approximately 300 km away.
The esteemed sports medicine specialist Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala has been appointed as the chief medical officer for the event.
Heading into his sixth Olympics, table tennis star Sharath Kamal has been designated as the male flag-bearer. As per the International Olympic Committee’s requirement, an announcement regarding the female flag-bearer is expected in the forthcoming days.
Although she has resigned as the Chef de Mission, Mary affirmed her commitment to supporting her country and the athletes by stating, “I will be there to cheer on my country and the athletes.”
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