The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has named Gagan Narang, four-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic Games men’s 10 meter Air Rifle bronze medalist, as the the Chef-de-Mission of the Indian contingent to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, starting on 26th July. He will replace MC Mary Kom.

Star Shuttler PV Sindhu and Table Tennis Ace Achanta Sharath Kamal will be the flag bearers during the opening ceremony.

The IOA President Dr. P.T. Usha yesterday said that Gagan Narang’s elevation from Deputy Chef-de-Mission’s position was an automatic choice in the wake of Mary Kom’s resignation.

Dr. Usha further announced that India’s only women to win two Olympic medals, P.V. Sindhu, will be the female flag-bearer, alongside Sharath Kamal in the opening ceremony.

Dr. Usha also said that I am confident that our athletes are well prepared to deliver the best results for India in Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Six-time world champion Mary Kom had resigned from the position in April, saying she was left with no choice but to step down owing to compelling personal reasons. She was named CDM by the IOA in March this year.

Chef-de-Mission is an important administrative post as he is responsible for ensuring the welfare of the participating athletes, taking care of their needs and liaising with the organising committee.