MC Mary Kom Steps Down As India’s Chef-De-Mission For 2024 Paris Olympics Citing Personal Reasons

New Delhi: Celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom decided to step down as India’s chef-de-mission for the upcoming Paris Olympics on Friday, citing personal reasons. It is also learnt that Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha had confirmed the development and stated a replacement would soon be made. The IOA had announced her appointment on March 21. The celebrated boxer who had won six world championship titles, is also a bronze-medallist from the 2012 London Olympics. She was also to be the logistical in-charge of the country’s contingent at the July 26-August 11 Olympic Games.

“I consider it an honour 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,” the 41-year-old stated in a letter to Usha.

“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,” she added.

Usha said she had a conversation with Mary Kom after receiving her letter. “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,” Usha said in a statement.

“I shall make the appropriate consultations and soon make an announcement about the replacement for Mary Kom. 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,” she said.

Earlier on March 21, Mary Kom had thanked Usha for showing trust on her. “This is a huge honour and responsibility and i want to thank our legendary IOA president Ms. P.T.Usha and also my colleagues at the IOA for entrusting me with this responsibility,” she had posted on ‘X’.

“Together we look forward to support our athletes in every way possible for the best ever performance at Paris. Last but not the least, I want to thank the Sports Ministry and our dynamic sports minister for continuing to be a pillar of support to the entire community,” she added.