Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang has been appointed as India's Chef-de-Mission for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced June 8.
Narang, who won his medal in the men's 10m air rifle at the London 2012 Olympics, replaces boxing legend Mary Kom, stepped down due to personal reasons. IOA president PT Usha said, "I was looking for an Olympic medalist to lead our contingent and my young colleague is an apt replacement for Mary Kom.”
The Chef-de-Mission is a key administrative role, responsible for the athletes' well-being and serving as the main contact with the organizing committees and other officials. Previously, Narang was set to lead the Indian shooting team, while Kom was named Chef-de-Mission in March.
In addition, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and 13-time Commonwealth Games medallist Sharath Kamal will be India's flag-bearers at the Paris 2024 opening ceremony.
" 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 Sharath Kamal in the opening ceremony,” IOC president said.
This will be the second consecutive Summer Games where India will have two flag-bearers, promoting gender equality. At Tokyo 2020, Mary Kom and Manpreet Singh were the flag-bearers. The flag-bearers lead their country's delegation during the Opening Ceremony parade, displaying the nation's flag.
The Paris 2024 Olympics will run from July 26 to August 11. India is set to make a strong impression at the Games following the Tokyo Olympics, where the country won seven medals including one gold which came through Neeraj Chopra in the javelin throw. India had sent their largest contingent of 124 athletes to Tokyo 2020.
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