Paris Olympics 2024: Gagan Narang to be Chief-De-Mission, PV Sindhu & Sharath Kamal to be flag-bearers

Gagan Narang, a London Olympics bronze medalist shooter, replaced Mary Kom on Monday as India's Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics, where ace shuttler PV Sindhu will be the female flag bearer during the opening ceremony.

Gagan Narang, a London Olympics bronze medalist shooter, replaced Mary Kom on Monday | Image: X

PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), stated that the 41-year-old Narang's promotion from deputy CDM was a natural option following Mary Kom's departure.

"I was looking for an Olympic medallist to lead our contingent and my young colleague is an apt replacement for Mary Kom," PT Usha said in a press release.

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According to PTI, Narang was vying for the position of CDM for the Indian contingent.?

Why did Mary Kom resign from her position??

Mary Kom, a six-time world champion, resigned from her job in April, citing strong personal reasons. She was appointed CDM by the IOA in March of this year.?

Chef-de-Mission is an important administrative position since he is in charge of guaranteeing the welfare of the participating athletes, meeting their demands, and interfacing with the organizing committee.

PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal to be flag-bearers?

PV Sindhu will carry the Indian contingent's flag during the opening ceremony on July 26 | Image: X

The IOA also revealed that Sindhu, India's only woman athlete to win back-to-back Olympic medals, will carry the Indian contingent's flag during the opening ceremony on July 26, with ace table tennis player Achanta 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," stated Usha.?

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The IOA picked Kamal as the flag bearer in March but postponed the decision on the female athlete.

What rule did IOC change??

In 2020, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) amended its rule to enable one female and one male athlete from each NOC to carry the flag together at the opening ceremony of the Summer Games.?

India's flag bearers at the Tokyo Olympics included Mary Kom and former hockey captain Manpreet Singh.

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