Mary Kom steps down as India’s Chef de Mission for Paris Olympics

Citing ‘problems’ that have ‘partly crippled’ her, Mary Kom resigned as the Chef de Mission of India’s contingent on Friday. 

Her decision comes weeks after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chose the boxing legend for the post.

In a letter to IOA President PT Usha, the Union Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India, the London Olympics bronze medallist said: “It is embarrassing for me to retreat from a pronounced commitment, which I seldom do, but I am left with no choice.”

The IOA, on March 21, announced contingent officials for the Paris Olympics, which begin on July 26. 

While Mary was chosen as the chef de mission, winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan was named her deputy.

Mary’s decision leaves the IOA in a precarious position. While a majority of countries named their contingent leaders well in advance, India  in the absence of a formal appointment has been represented in the Chef de Mission meetings by individuals with no prior Olympic experience.

Now, with a little more than 100 days left for the Opening Ceremony, the IOA will have to restart the whole process.

Government officials said Mary had initially been reluctant to take up the role but accepted after being convinced by Usha and government officials