Explainer: Mary Kom resigned as India’s chef de mission for Paris Olympics – But what is the role?

With less than three months to go for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, India are yet to zero in on a chef de mission for the contingent.

Boxer MC Mary Kom – a bronze-medalist from the 2012 London Olympics – was appointed the chef de mission for the Indian contingent in March, with Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan as the deputy chef de mission.

Along with them, former rifle shooter-turned-coach Gagan Narang, a bronze medallist from the 2012 London Olympics, had been put in charge of India’s shooting contingent that will compete in Paris.

However, on Friday, Kom stepped down from the role citing personal reasons.

“I consider it an honour to serve my country in every way possible, and I was mentally prepared for it,” read Kom’s letter addressed to the Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha. “However, I regret that I will not be able to uphold the prestigious responsibility and would like to resign, owing to personal reasons.”

While it remains to be seen who is now appointed for the role, here’s a look at what a chef de mission is and what duties does that role entail.

What is a chef de mission?

Translated directly from French, chef de mission or “head of mission” is a person appointed to lead and represent a national delegation...

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