Gagan Narang Announced as New Chef de Mission in Paris Olympics 2024; PV Sindhu, Sharath Kamal to be Flag Bearers

July 09,2024

Gagan Narang, four-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic Games men’s 10m Air Rifle bronze medalist, has been chosen to replace MC Mary Kom as the Chef-de-Mission of the Indian contingent to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games beginning on July 26.

Indian Olympic Association President Dr PT Usha today said the 41-year-old Gagan Narang’s elevation from Deputy Chef-de-Mission’s position was an automatic choice in the wake of Mary Kom’s resignation. “I was looking for an Olympic medalist to lead our contingent and my young colleague is an apt replacement for Mary Kom,” she said.

Mary Kom, a bronze medalist in the 2012 Olympics announced that she would be stepping down from the role ‘owing to personal reasons’, in April 2024.

The role of Chef-de-Mission is certainly an important one as the individual appointed would be responsible to be the spokesperson for the team ahead of the Olympics. This includes attending many seminars with the athletes, management and the Mission Team as well.

In the event there are conflicts or controversies which might not be a regular instance in the Olympics, it is the duty of the Chef de Mission to maintain a diplomatic stance and help resolve the issues. They also play a key role in resolving any issues that do not maintain the protocols in the Olympics.

The IOA President also announced that India’s badminton ace, PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medal-winner as the flag bearer for India along with the Table Tennis star, A Sharath Kamal.

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

The Paris 2024 Olympics is set to begin on July 26 and will be completed on August 11. The Indian team will hope to bring pride to the nation take in as many medals as possible and showcase Indian athletes on the biggest global stage.