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Days after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced Mary Kom as the Chef de Mission for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, the boxing legend has in the latest turn of events stepped down from the role. The 2012 London Olympics medallist has cited “personal reasons” as the reason behind this move.
Notably, the Olympics bronze medallist informed the IOA President, PT Usha, the Union Ministry of Sports Affairs and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) of her decision via an email on Friday, April 12. Moreover, Kom in her address informed that she was grateful for placing their faith in her for this post. “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,” MC Mary Kom said as quoted in the letter from PT 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 concluded.
Moreover, the IAO President acknowledged Mary Kom’s resignation stating, “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.” The 59-year-old further informed that the IOA will make the announcement of Mary Kom’s replacement as Chef de Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics soon, urging everyone to respect the boxer’s privacy.
“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.
